Talking Heads: “Whatever Differences We Had, We Put Them Aside”
Talking Heads have given their first interview as a four-piece since they split in 1991. David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth talked to Pitchfork about the new reissue of Stop Making Sense, their early days in New York and their current relationship.
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When asked how they see their relationship with the band today, drummer Chris Frantz said, “Well, I identify as a Talking Head.” Bassist Tina Weymouth agreed, adding, “I hate it when journalists say ‘formerly of Talking Heads.’ What are you talking about? It is a little weird—it’s almost cultish to identify with a group and not as an individual. But that happens to bands.”
Singer David Byrne was enthusiastic about the reunion, “When it became obvious that the film was going to come back out—new print, new sound, new distribution and all that—whatever differences we might have had, we put them aside and said, ‘No, we really believe in this, we’re all united, and we all feel the same way about this.'”
When asked whether they were aware at the significance of the mid-70s New York scene from which they emerged, Byrne reflected, “There was a lot going on. We were younger, so we were going out a lot, whether it was to art gallery openings or around the corner from where we lived to CBGB’s or other clubs. So there was plenty for us to take in. But I don’t know if we felt like, ‘Oh, this is a very unique cultural moment.’ For myself, I don’t think I had that perspective.”
When asked if there plans for the four of them to work together again, Weymouth said, “We’re just savoring the moment. We’re so happy that it’s resulted in this wonderful thing that’s lasted 40 years. And we’re not really looking too far into the future. We might be standing on the corner and a bus will knock us down. We’re super glad we’re alive. We’re all four here to enjoy this moment.”