An Open Letter from David Byrne to the Talking Heads, Fans, and the Whole Talking Heads Community
Dear Talking Heads, our amazing fans, and the whole Talking Heads community,
I’m reminiscing on an unbelievable journey that began with a common love of music, an insatiable desire for creativity, and a strong bond with everyone of you. Today, I’d like to convey my heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support, passion, and love for me and this band over the years.
To Chris, Tina, and Jerry: together, we created something very wonderful. From our early days at RISD as a group of artists looking for a sound, until the time we stepped onto the CBGB stage, we had no idea what we were making. But we felt something electric. Something rough. Something new. Every riff, groove, and song exemplified our common ambition of pushing limits and confounding expectations. I am glad for every note we played together, every song that arose from the collaboration of our creative energies. It was and always will be an unforgettable event.
To our fans, you’ve been Talking Heads’ heartbeat. You have carried us onwards, whether you discovered us in the ’70s, danced to Once in a Lifetime in the ’80s, or discovered our music in some distant future when rhythms still defy time. Your passion, your interpretations of our songs, and your willingness to embrace the unusual and adventurous are what made this band more than just music. It grew into a movement, a conversation, and a new perspective on the world.
To the Talking Heads community, from the artists who were inspired by our work to the reviewers who pushed us, the filmmakers who expanded our vision, and the generations who continue to find meaning in our music, you have given our work a life beyond anything we could have dreamed. You made sure our songs never went silent.
As I embark on new ventures and undiscovered artistic routes, I carry this legacy, memories, and thanks with me. Talking Heads was more than just a band; it was a musical evolution, a storytelling experiment, and a trip we all shared.
Thank you for taking part in it.
With gratitude and love,
David Byrne