Talking Heads’ David Byrne Explains How He Came Up With The Giant Suit | Letterman

The Talking Heads frontman demonstrates how he fakes his concert moves, tells the giant suit origin story and talks about "Stop Making Sense." (Air date: 11/23/84)
#DavidByrne #TalkingHeads #Letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanly-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@scottward6974]

He's so shy and awkward when interviewed but such a powerhouse of charisma when he performs, it's a striking contrast!

[@garynewton1263]

Jump to the post covid appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show, what a difference! 😉

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Back in the day David Byrne said his performances were “ anonymous “

[@garynewton1263]

@@Tamar-sz8ox Hahahahaha........I'm still unsure exactly what that means? Maybe it means he wasn't responsible for the strange and silly body movements? The music took over control of him???? He's a very interesting artist.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

@@garynewton1263 David Byrne said when he performed he felt like he was performing under an anonymous name and person . His body movements and words are definitely unique , it’s really an art form , he also is on the Autism spectrum so he expresses himself in a very different way

[@garynewton1263]

@@Tamar-sz8ox Yes. Admittedly when I was a teenager in the 1980s I never liked Talking Heads much as a band. I liked 'The lady don't mind' but apart from that I thought they were very strange. Now I am more openminded and can understand David and the group better. I've seen interviews of David in the 80s and in recent times, its changed my views. That big suit David said was to make his head look smaller. Hilarious! 🤣

[@MrT67]

".....Rich texture of rhythms you don't normally hear in music....." I think DB genuinely appreciated that comment.

[@lachlanwelsh5880]

Can see letterman enjoying the act of enjoying an interview of a person that he genuinely has respect for. Rather than just another industry paid for ad.

[@jdoedoenet]

David Byrne puts the AWESOME in Aspergers. Brilliant guy, and impossible not to love.

[@sking3492]

He certainly does.😮

[@JoeVideoed]

@@sking3492 Didn't know he had that until now. Good to see more people like me out there.

[@vinista256]

@@JoeVideoed he’s never been formally diagnosed-he just happened to read something about it and realized a lot of his attitudes and behaviors matched the criteria, but he’s pretty content with how his life turned out and doesn’t see how labeling himself would change anything.

[@maplelafe7671]

I dont like Asperges

[@lilaccilla]

What an amazing man

[@nickgreen2905]

I think this is the nicest I've ever seen letterman. He genuinely respects David Byrne.

[@Itelkner]

Well, maybe all except for the part about "needing a checkup." lol

[@dadsongs]

@@Itelkner I work with many people just like David. It's cool to be part of that world.

[@Itelkner]

@@dadsongs Cool. What is it you do?

[@dadsongs]

@@Itelkner I should have been more specific, and maybe more sensitive. 🙂 A couple years ago, he admitted that he deals with Asperger's Syndrome, which most believe is a very high-functioning form of Autism. Since then, a couple other artists revealed that they did as well. Thanks for asking.

[@Itelkner]

@@dadsongs Yeah. I had learned at some point David had Asperger's Syndrome. I don't think much was known about it when this interview happened. DL's "checkup" comment would have been taken as playful at the time but would never be said now knowing of someone's condition. I was, perhaps, a tad bit flip with 'lol' but it seemed to me DB took DL's attitude in good humor and Letterman's attitude toward David was generally respectful.

[@ahobimo732]

David Byrne has such an incredibly unique voice. Even when he's just talking casually like this, I find the tone and rhythm of his speech just mesmerizing. I could listen to him for years. We were so lucky to have him making art and music in our universe.

[@nileshemming3462]

This guy is a music genius. He won an Oscar for composing the score for The Last Emperor, who won best picture for the year of 1987.

[@godzoookie]

Along with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Cong Su.

[@andream7524]

Wow i will havd to listen to it. Im intrigued..

[@Tommyr]

When he does that arm and leg wavy dance thing it cracks me up yet it is so neat to watch.

[@kalebproductions9316]

David Byrne is a pretty deep guy. You can tell he would like to explain fully everything asked but it would take too long and people would not appreciate it. They would not be be ready or prepared for what he has to offer so just sit back and watch the pretty lights and listen to the lyrics and someday you will be ready to understand him.

[@markwilliams974]

Letterman is a moron and wouldn't be able to understand Byrne's genius.

[@sammyn549]

Very well stated.

[@areyouavinalaff]

Not just a musician or singer, but a proper artist in the true sense of the word.

[@jbrian53]

Read his 2012 book "How Music Works" if you haven't already. In one of the first chapters he goes into quite a bit of detail about the influences and artistic vision he had for the Stop Making Sense concert. The book is about more than just his career but he often uses his own experiences as examples. It's pretty obvious that he is indeed a "pretty deep guy" and clearly an artist who makes music rather than just a musician that happened to produce art.

[@stvbrsn]

@@creamwobbly not really. It’s called Asperger’s syndrome.

[@rustybearden1800]

I was lucky enough to see this concert in Dallas TX during the summer of 1983 - third row, left hand side, seats 1through four. It was beyond astonishing, from the first moments where David walks out to an empty, dark stage, spotlight illuminating him, sets down a boombox, hits play and starts "Psycho Killer", accompanying himself with an acoustic guitar while the stage is set with the band's performing set ups on rolling platforms, one by one until the full band is on stage. I had followed the Taiking Heads from their beginning and this was their full blown introduction to the general public. One of my top five concert experiences of all time (and I've seen many, many live concerts to say the least) Watching the film today, forty years later still gives me goosebumps. A once in a lifetime experience (sorry, couldn't resist)

[@bryankellyM]

I'm embarrassed to say, I never watched 'Stop Making Sense' until today and I've always been a fan and now 59. Wow, that movie is amazing and David Byrne's energy is beyond belief. It IS the best concert movie I have ever seen.

[@maplelafe7671]

58 dutch here. Man we all went bunkers in the movie theaters. Litteraly everyone was dancing like at a live concert !! Never ever forget those days ❤

[@jamestomkin8784]

Just saw the re-release this past weekend! I saw this tour live and the original release 40 years ago. I'm 67 now and felt totally rejuvenated after seeing the movie again! The whole theater was whistling and clapping like we were at the actual concert!

[@StudioMagnetique]

Same experience here in Manchester UK. Such a great vibe in the cinema.

[@somethingyousaid5059]

David Byrne-ing down the house.

[@sshza2143]

🥳🎶🕺🤘😁✌😎

[@JokersNtheOddball]

That's the joke yes

[@Andyband668]

I love this man with all my heart

[@porcorosso999]

Two absolute legends at their peak. Awesome.

[@1stinlaw917]

I was at Kenny Scarffs birthday party in Brooklyn and David was there. I eventually got the nerve to say hello and tell him what a great fan I was. He was so approachable and kind. Get memory.

[@CN3891]

My dad works for nintendo and I know for sure Dave is cool.

[@RonBaker456]

You can tell he's a shy thinker by the way he reacted to the audience and the first response to Dave. Love and appreciate these guys and the completely new sound and vibe they brought.

[@HeartFeltGesture]

Genuine eccentric original artist.

[@P1Brand]

Love David Byrne, love Talking Heads and love Stop Making Sense. Great interview!

[@jackm4457]

Dave asks the question we all had back then, "Explain the big, uh, the jumbo suit?" Thanks Dave.

[@Itelkner]

Rich Hall did an old snl Talking Heads parody. "And you may ask yourself... why the big suit?"

[@liviafbf]

And to this day they still ask him that question! Jimmy Fallon just asked David about the big suit a few days ago.

[@jontaylor5482]

@@liviafbf Which is mad because he gives a perfectly reasonable answer to the question here. Ironically, it makes perfect sense…

[@shawnuel]

I remember watching this episode and thinking how much Byrne looked like Anthony Perkins with that turtleneck/jacket combo.

[@oneday458]

I'm 63 now and I've been a fan of Talking Heads from the first time I heard 'Psych Killer". I love everything about their unique sound and David Byrne.I'm a huge fan of the "The Big Bang Theory" programme too, so when I watch clips now, of David Byrne performing or being interviewed, I'm reminded of Sheldon.

[@JP-qc8ud]

I love this guy. Pure genius

[@OhanaFilms]

I miss the days when everyone was awkward on camera. I mean that sincerely.

[@romulus_]

media training = homogenization

[@DeadFlowers69]

I get what you're saying. It's a little bizarre that a 14 year old in Nebraska on TikTok loves the camera so much.

[@OhanaFilms]

@@DeadFlowers69 Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Everyone is so used to filming EVERYTHING now. Seeing an awkward famous person or a nervous man-on-the-street interview somehow feels better to me. It's more human or something.

[@lukedumet4359]

David Byrne has autism; It might explain some aspects of his awkwardness

[@lucyfuir6386]

He is autistic...... yeah

[@davidturcotte5677]

I regret not seeing them live, a great band.

[@Muzikrazy213]

Big same dude. Many would say I'm obsessed w music (I say, to a fault) and just today from some random reddit wormhole link, I have discovered the 1/1, never-to-be duplicated, musical, artistic, and theatrical deep thinking genius that is David Byrne. And will 100% regret not seeing him live once.

[@getit9066]

You just feel like you're listening to the next level of humanity.

[@ginafriend1690]

The world would be mundane without the likes of David Byrne, Annie Lennox to name another. Both artists put on Great shows. My favorite concerts!

[@supergrover453]

Both born in Scotland

[@justjosh711]

Very entertaining exchange between two funny and fun-loving guys.

[@campaigner1016]

Never again - such great music with an amazing frontman.

[@dadsongs]

David Byrne: If you're reading this, you're a hero of mine.

[@fatboyrowing]

What a talented, interesting and original guy. This is the first time I’ve seen an interview with him

[@AnthonyWhitewwfilms]

Letterman was fantastic. He really helped David Byrne in this interview 😅

[@Trouble-Clef]

I love David Byrne! I can’t wait to see Stop Making Sense 2023

[@luislizard2626]

And now nothing on tv Just appearance zero substance !! This is class pure talent the real thing❤

[@CN3891]

He's clearly on the spectrum and he handled it so well. What a legend.

[@daviscrump]

Seeing the re-release of Stop Making Sense tonight so getting this on my recommended is perfect.

[@LA-ue6ov]

Real artist

[@bernlin2000]

Dave just quietly catching Talking Heads (and David Byrne) at the height of their powers. Reminds me of how easily Dave works well with the guests who "get" his humor. He can get answers and reactions that no other host could.

[@greatleapforwards]

yes, but he was also retrospectively very inappropriate in many instances

[@BazookaToe]

You missed the part about not always being rational.

[@elDoober]

Got to see Stop Making Sense in the theatre just recently, was/is still amazing!

[@tamilee9462]

I love him

[@twowheels222]

Letterman: "you may need a check-up" .. made me laugh out loud. Two entertainers I have enjoyed enormously over the years.

[@calessel3139]

I've heard Byrnes say that the suit was supposed to give the viewers the impression that he was a playing card, like one of the Queen Of Heart's deck-of-cards characters from Alice in Wonderland.

[@rosemaryberci8943]

had the original dvd copy and wore it out. just went to see the new version and loved it as much as ever. an absolute classic forever.

[@stevekimball7931]

He is amazing.....

[@pequenocubodesalada6891]

I wish I could experience music the way he does one day.

[@juggs_mcbulge]

Why can't you?

[@pequenocubodesalada6891]

@@juggs_mcbulge I wish I knew

[@hyphenpearce3224]

Luv Talking Heads ! ❤

[@afriend621]

David Byrne, one of the greats.

[@mjbl1787]

lmao hes so awkward.....love it

[@Fintanflaherty]

The daniel day Lewis of music

[@imaheatfan]

David Byrne and Robert Smith give the best interviews ever.

[@davedillon1372]

Smith has taken the look of Liz Taylor & Liza a bit too far for me. Insanity is a sad thing that should be looked at seriously when it gets so real. 'Why can't I be You‽' Really now!

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

I remember renting that video cassette from Blockbuster, I was amazed. By far, my favorite Talking Heads song is, Psycho Killer. "Say something once, why say it again"🎶

[@rong1924]

I saw Stop Making Sense in the theater when it came out.

[@1958]

It's always said that Stop Making Sense was groundbreaking, but except for Laurie Anderson's Home of the Brave, nobody has done anything remotely like it since.

[@jonreed5044]

2 Legends of their respective crafts.

[@PS987654321PS]

Hands down, the absolute best concert film ever made. Spellbinding. What a band. What an album.

[@cactaceous]

Fully agree. It is the best concert film ever.

[@Dr.JeremyDunks]

100% agree. The way it starts with Byrne alone and the rest of the band gradually join in. I could watch the performance of Life During Wartime every day and never get tired of it. By the

[@remopiccioni9456]

It is dance music that makes you think. Kind of like aerobics on acid.

[@PS987654321PS]

@@remopiccioni9456 That is a very interesting interpretation. I'll need to reflect on this but intiguing.

[@sampickel1030]

Totally agree

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

Awesome, love the quality! Editing and cuts could be a little less extreme here and there, but overall really nice to see! Also; small shout-out to 'TheDonz' Don Giller for keeping the Letterman-archives up and running all these years before Letterman finally got an official KZbin account 😁

[@chiefscheider]

Letterman's had an official channel for years. It's just been in the last month that the uploads have been coming fast and furious

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

@@chiefscheider You're actually right, I've noticed that the first uploads on here were posted over 7, almost 8 years ago! Then for a very long time nothing (nothing posted after David ended his run?), starting the uploads just last month again. Still; nothing but props to TheDonz for filling in for the time being. Hope they can get the guy on board to maintain the official channel; now THAT would be an awesome thing to do.

[@chiefscheider]

True, Don is a real Letterman fan and committed to his content for sure. His compilations are great.

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

@@chiefscheider I just love it when someone goes the extra mile to create his own collection (or in this case I can definitely call it archive) of content of one production. It truly baffles me.

[@shawnuel]

@@JayDeeIsMyName Don is on board with this channel. He was hired to contribute.

[@StottMikel]

A masterclass in concert films.

[@intertubicular]

Dave and Dave!

[@freqenc]

You know you're old when you seen it live.

[@angiemadsen4934]

He’s so cute.

[@BanjoLuke1]

I didn't see him perform until about 2010, at a open-air event on the UK. I'd loved his music since the late 70s, but TH were hard to see in Europe. Worth waiting for. He even did a piece from Bush of Ghosts. A remarkable performer of excellent music.

[@kingandkongo]

Interesting to think that ppl in the 80ies went to a show that was produced more or less „just for the moment“ but today is archived and accessible for everyone forever

[@Coccobills]

His voice when he talks remembers me Syd Barrett.

[@daveg5857]

I love it when great Davids get together.

[@mockturtlesuppe]

They all have their own hands, but they come from different moms.

[@PowerOfOne-u4h]

Life is art.

[@ZorMonkey]

Wonder how long it took them to plan and do the special effect at 3:51 only for it to fall flat

[@sammavacaist]

I like this David Letterman. Not wearing a suit and just a random goldfish behind him.

[@danielsr8226]

That Jonathan Demme line would have been received differently years later. Talented souls always find a way to work together

[@TheMichaelBeck]

I remember watching this LIVE!

[@rayc7192]

David also demonstrates how he learned to fake his reaction to awkward questions and laugh them off

[@jimcarroll9417]

Bryne is scheduled to perform on CBS Saturday Morning tomorrow (3/5/22).

[@paulellsworth4007]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@lb6253]

I'm watching it now! So cool. 😎

[@chasbodaniels1744]

As you’ve probably heard by now (March 2023), Stop Making Sense (the film) is being remastered for re-release possibly this year!

[@cactaceous]

Woah! This is a good one. Had never seen this interview before.

[@SpottedSharks]

I think he's talking about True Stories as being the project he's working in now.

[@davebrown9725]

True Stories was a great film, I wish that the soundtrack album had used the movie actors, their singing brought a lot to the songs that is missing from the Talking Heads versions on that album. The actual released soundtrack was all of the incidental music used in the film, none of the songs.

[@davemustaki134]

They were a tad before my time but I always loved their music they kind of remind me of Devo I just love how spaced out they were I'm sure there was a bit acid here and there 😀

[@orpheus9037]

It suddenly occurs to me - Byrne has the qualities of a silent film actor.

[@heathcornbeef]

I saw his latest show American utopia a cupple of years ago AMAZING AWESOME WICKEDLY GOOD

[@aaril9438]

So so good

[@heathcornbeef]

I went into the American utopia show blind absolutely no idea what David had been up to since talking heads and boy was I confused when he walked onto the stage I'm thinking hay David where's the band and their gear AND THEN IT STARTED TO BE ... MAKING SENSE

[@wildwoodandonyx]

Well, how did I get here?!?

[@johna8973]

, , sitting in a Shot Gun Shack ❓ 🤔

[@ili626]

The surrealists came up with the idea “stop making sense” decades before Byrne. I wonder if he got that notion from art school

[@davebrown9725]

Didn't they all go to the Rhode Island School of Design? I know they had to wait for Jerry Harrison to graduate, with David, Chris and Tina living in a loft space, before they could form the actual band. '77 was playing at my local used record store last time I was in.

[@coffeeandpeach]

i wonder what‘s in that blue folder Dabid grabs from the other chair in the end

[@chalkbunt81]

Byrne can talk about his Giant suit, but Dave will always outdo him with his suits of Alca-Seltzer and Velcro.

[@michaelpurcell9956]

Fun to watch this just after the release in 1983, in light of the 2023 re-release.

[@garynewton1263]

It's quite enjoyable watching this then jumping to the 1986 appearance then to the post-Covid appearance with Jimmy Fallon. David is a really interesting musician, writer and artist.

[@timothylanders3189]

Best Letterman interview I've seen ;)

[@tjbaby2411]

He would have been fantastic as Norma Bates ! Love him the film too watched it on repeat ❤️

[@PrinceWesterburg]

A very strange and sensitive, artistic man, probably 30 years ahead of his time.

[@ignotumperignotius630]

couldn't be done now

[@jeffnash2853]

FANTASTIC!!@

[@tertommy]

NBC Letterman best

[@Moonstone115]

Stop making sense is absolutely amazing, the energy, the music, the dancing, the connection between the band and the singers.. I prefer listening to the live trakcs ratherthan the album personally. Just a masterpiece ❤

[@benjaminhoyt1421]

I love how David never hid if he loved or hated something.

[@RisforRockit]

which David? :)

[@peterludek]

David bryne actualy has aspergers syndrome. Due to brain structure this causes people with it are more direct and explain just what they think ,they dont dress it up . It can be a nice aspect of ones charictor but can also bring problems .lol. i know about this as ive also been diagnosed with it plus spend bit of time reading up about it

[@johnmcintyre1965]

This aired the day before my 19th birthday. 1984 was a good year. It ushered in the Orwellian Age.

[@vincentferrara5032]

So talented

[@chilo8187]

Our Aspie King 👑

[@Hmoo424]

There is Sheldon Cooper’s inspiration

[@aussiepressconferences.4755]

He reminds me of the Sheldon Cooper actor from Big Bang.

[@NackDSP]

Imagine that they gradually released the best concert film ever made.

[@nashvilleslim]

The first example of adhd edit this guy has a beautiful mind.

[@flamencoprof]

I heartily recommend Mr. Byrne's 2012 book How Music Works.

[@2FRESH-4U]

What a character

[@DEEZEEMTB]

I was at one of the shows where they filmed the movie. They are great

[@reedyd]

3:50 nobody seems to notice the split-screen attempt at a live-video Giant Suit. Kind of odd. Maybe it was done in post?

[@stevenjones2371]

WATCHING HIM SHOWS HES VERY SMART i have friends that are so smart and are genius the do the same thing i myself not a smart man like Forrest Gump but its really a wonderful thing to be around very smart people