Byrne Burns Down the House
by Whinersmusic on 2018-08-09Sony Centre For The Performing Arts - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5Sorry, I'm sure the "burning down the house" headline is a bit cliche but it is apropos to the concert.
In fact, we were all left wanting more after close to two hours worth of solo and Talking Heads material.
Pretty well non-stop movement on a barren stage but well travelled throughout the set. Nothing was static, including the band who carried their instruments around and around. Amazing! The playing was flawless and the energy of Byrne and two accompanying dancers was high, high, high.
The simplicity of working in basically a box - almost as if watching a puppet show - worked so well, I think more artists might want to try this vs. set and effects overload. Think more theatrical than big screen-itis.
The sound was great too.
About the only criticism I would make is we were standing through most of the show. Always reminds me of a high school dance when that happens. For these, ah, older bones, I prefer to get up only near the ending but I will confess that the band and Byrne's energy was infusive right out of the gate.
A brief note on the opening act: he didn't introduce himself but had a great voice and accompanist playing bass. Songs were quirky and he warmed things up very nicely. But it would be useful for his own advancement to let us know who he is! I could look it up, of course, but let's leave it a mystery here just like there.
In conclusion, this show is in my top 10 concerts of all time. I hope we get a DVD of it!