Talking Heads to Reunite for “Stop Making Sense” Screening Panel

In a move that’s got the music world buzzing, the iconic Talking Heads — David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison—are gearing up for a reunion beneath Toronto’s city lights. It’s been a minute since their 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, leading many to speculate if this reunion is a one-time event or a potential precursor to future collaborations.

The reason for the reunion is none other than the 40th anniversary of the iconic concert film “Stop Making Sense.” The film has been restored to its former glory and will be showcased in IMAX at Cineplex’s Scotiabank IMAX Theatre. This cinematic concert-film masterpiece is the highlight of the Toronto International Film Festival and will be screened on September 11th.

Following the screening, the band will participate in a Q&A session moderated by acclaimed film director Spike Lee. Lee hosting this exciting event is likely the product of the recent collaboration between Byrne and Lee on the film adaptation of the musical “American Utopia,” as Stop Making Sense’s director Johnathan Demme passed away in 2017. For those unable to attend the Toronto event, the reunion, and Q&A will be broadcast live in theaters worldwide, with A24 releasing the refreshed “Stop Making Sense” on September 22nd for fans around the globe.

Jonathan Demme’s “Stop Making Sense” isn’t just a concert film—it’s a piece of history. Capturing the band in their prime during their December 1983 gigs at LA’s Pantages Theater, it earned its spot in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2021.

The Talking Heads’ journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and radio silences. Their shared history is magnetic, pulling them back together for moments like the film’s 15th anniversary in 1999 and that unforgettable 2002 Rock Hall of Fame performance. The reunion whispers often circled Byrne, but the current mood suggests a thawing of past tensions. Meanwhile, Byrne’s been making Broadway waves, teaming up with Fatboy Slim on the musical, Here Lies Love. Whether this reunion is a fleeting moment or a sign of things to come, one thing’s for sure: the Talking Heads’ legacy is here to stay.