It says "rain or shine", but not when it's a crazy storm that nearly destroys the venue.
The ticket says "Aug 30", but the show was actually delayed due to a huge storm that knocked out power at Meadowbrook in Rochester Hills, MI. So this entry is right on time!
David Byrne was the lead singer for Talking Heads from 1975 to 1991. You probably know their biggest hit "Burning Down the House" from 1983, and maybe "Once In A Lifetime", which was featured regularly on MTV.
David Byrne was the lead singer for Talking Heads from 1975 to 1991. You probably know their biggest hit "Burning Down the House" from 1983, and maybe "Once In A Lifetime", which was featured regularly on MTV.
Talking Heads was a nerdy, quirky art-school group. Tina Weymouth (bass), Chris Frantz (drums) and Jerry Harrison (keyboards & guitar) were the other three members.
Harrison was a former member of Modern Lovers, the band that gave Jonathan Richman his start. Harrison also went on to become a prolific record producer as well, with such artists as Violent Femmes, Live and Fine Young Cannibals. Frantz and Weymouth also created Tom Tom Club. You have probably at least heard bits and pieces of the oft-sampled Tom Tom Club song "Genius of Love".
Harrison was a former member of Modern Lovers, the band that gave Jonathan Richman his start. Harrison also went on to become a prolific record producer as well, with such artists as Violent Femmes, Live and Fine Young Cannibals. Frantz and Weymouth also created Tom Tom Club. You have probably at least heard bits and pieces of the oft-sampled Tom Tom Club song "Genius of Love".
August 31st was a pretty good day for me. Not only did I get to see one of my favorite artists, I was able to interview him earlier that day, and actually hung out with him quite a bit before the show. This was kind of unusual. I might have interviewed or met an artist, but to hang and chat was really special.
Before the show, there was a meet-and-greet with Mr. Byrne. A select few winning listeners were invited to a barbecue before the show, where David made an appearance, shook hands and took pictures.
Somewhere out there in the world exists (or existed) a picture of me with David. I don't have it, because I didn't bring a camera with me. Of course, cameras usually weren't allowed in concert venues back in the day (everyone carries one with them now), and I wanted, foolishly, to "follow the rules", and didn't bring one. A listener took a picture for me, but I've never seen it. One of my big radio regrets.
David was touring following the release of his album "uh-oh", his second solo effort. While it was not commercially successful, it was filled with a lot of fun songs, and it was one of my favorites from that year.
Before the show, there was a meet-and-greet with Mr. Byrne. A select few winning listeners were invited to a barbecue before the show, where David made an appearance, shook hands and took pictures.
Somewhere out there in the world exists (or existed) a picture of me with David. I don't have it, because I didn't bring a camera with me. Of course, cameras usually weren't allowed in concert venues back in the day (everyone carries one with them now), and I wanted, foolishly, to "follow the rules", and didn't bring one. A listener took a picture for me, but I've never seen it. One of my big radio regrets.
David was touring following the release of his album "uh-oh", his second solo effort. While it was not commercially successful, it was filled with a lot of fun songs, and it was one of my favorites from that year.
I was given the privilege of introducing David on-stage before the show, so I was allowed backstage to wait. The Warners Brothers record representative (Darren) and I were able to just sit and chat and wait with him for about fifteen minutes.
David's signature is at the bottom. How I got two more Talking Heads signatures is a story for another day. If anyone knows Jerry Harrison, please let him know I need him to sign this.
I don't remember most of what we talked about, but the one thing that stuck in my mind was that David seemed anxious that there were very few people seated in the audience. I told him that since Meadowbrook is a beautiful outdoor venue, people were most likely wandering the grounds, taking in the sights before the show. Turns out I was correct, and as the show got underway, the seats filled up. (not completely, but still a good crowd for a rain-delayed, Monday night show)
David opened for himself, playing seven or eight songs acoustically, before the band joined him. It reminded me (perhaps intentionally) of the classic Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" It was a very cool concept that I'm surprised I haven't seen more often.
David opened for himself, playing seven or eight songs acoustically, before the band joined him. It reminded me (perhaps intentionally) of the classic Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" It was a very cool concept that I'm surprised I haven't seen more often.
By the way, if you're a fan of Talking Heads (or just great music) you need to see Stop Making Sense. It's amazing. I've watched it more times than I can count.
The concert was filled with tracks from the new album, along with Talking Heads material. I have a copy of the set list somewhere in my stacks of papers, but I'll be damned if I can find it. If I ever do, I'll post it here.
It was was a great day, filled with good memories. Next time David comes around, make sure you see him!
Check out my interview with David Byrne. It's short.
The concert was filled with tracks from the new album, along with Talking Heads material. I have a copy of the set list somewhere in my stacks of papers, but I'll be damned if I can find it. If I ever do, I'll post it here.
It was was a great day, filled with good memories. Next time David comes around, make sure you see him!
Check out my interview with David Byrne. It's short.
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