Anyone who has caught footage of David Byrne’s recent concerts or late-night performances is well aware that the Talking Heads co-founder is still crushing it. With production that balances singing and choreography and is backed by a group of singer-dancers, the shows still feel loose despite demanding a degree of precision.
Indeed, Coachella 2026 attendees who witnessed the 73-year-old artist’s set live or via YouTube on Saturday, April 11th, were treated to one of the best performances of the Indio, California, festival thus far. Exuding joy while working in social commentary, Byrne mixed in some songs from his new album, Who Is the Sky?, with Talking Heads classics.
After a slightly late start, Byrne kicked off the 13-song performance with “Everybody Laughs” from his latest solo LP, then moved into Talking Heads’ “And She Was” and his Brian Eno collab “Strange Overtones.” He followed this with a three-song run of Talking Heads tracks, including “This Must Be the Place.”
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Following the latter track, Byrne said “love and kindness are a form of resistance,” citing words from the actor and director John Cameron Mitchell. As we continue to hurtle toward World War III, it was a comforting reminder.
The rest of the set featured recent solo singles “What Is the Reason for It?” and “When We Are Singing” alongside more Talking Heads classics, including “Psycho Killer” and “Burning Down the House.”
At the end of “Life During Wartime,” Byrne once again acknowledged the current sociopolitical climate by showing footage of anti-ICE and pro-Palestine protests in the background.
Check back in throughout the weekend for more of our Coachella 2026 coverage.
Byrne is in the midst of a spring 2026 North American tour, which will feature a second weekend performance at Coachella.
@coachella Twice in a lifetime, actually. @David Byrne Watch the Coachella livestream on @YouTube all weekend long.
Setlist:
Everybody Laughs
And She Was (Talking Heads song)
Strange Overtones
Houses in Motion (Talking Heads song)
(Nothing but) Flowers (Talking Heads song)
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) [Talking Heads song]
What Is the Reason for It?
Slippery People (Talking Heads song)
When We Are Singing
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads song)
Life During Wartime (Talking Heads song)
Once in a Lifetime (Talking Heads song)
Burning Down the House (Talking Heads song)
