David Byrne began the night seated at a table, inside Toronto’s Sony Centre, holding a brain. I was expecting him to burst into a Hamlet rendition and begin screaming To Be or Not to Be, THAT is the question. 

Scottish-American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, artist, writer, actor, and filmmaker, DAVID BYRNE, performed a sold out show at the Sony Centre in Toronto. In picture: DAVID BYRNE

The stage was bare, encircled by shimmering led beaded curtains. It felt like watching a fish tank where David was the fish and we were the watchers. 

Scottish-American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, artist, writer, actor, and filmmaker, DAVID BYRNE, performed a sold out show at the Sony Centre in Toronto. In picture: DAVID BYRNE

David and his 11-piece backing band, playing everything live, without the aid of backing tracks and in constant motion, their every movement choreographed to entrance the audience were a sight to watch. 

 
American Utopia starts and between songs David encourages the audience to vote “in every election they possibly can” to ensure Democracy gets to live another day. The house broke in applause. 

Scottish-American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, artist, writer, actor, and filmmaker, DAVID BYRNE, performed a sold out show at the Sony Centre in Toronto. In picture: DAVID BYRNE

The climax of the evening came on the second encore. David and his band covered Janelle Monáe’s 2015 song “Hell You Talmbout”. If you are not familiar, this song lists the names of young African Americans killed by police.

 
All in all the wait was worth it and I hope it’s not 30 years until the next time we meet again Mr Byrne.
Those of you living in Eastern Ontario can catch Mr. Byrne at CityFolk in Ottawa this September. Lineup and details here!