Talking Heads guitarist Jerry Harrison discussed the highly anticipated Remain in Light Turns 40 tour with Adrian Belew and Turkuaz in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
The tour, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Talking Heads‘ fourth studio album, will see Turkuaz, Belew, and Harrison play songs from Remain in Light along with many other Talking Heads songs from that era. Throughout the interview, Harrison talked about how the tour came to be, how the shows and songs will be constructed, and other things to look forward to at the performances.
“I think it was when Adrian Belew came here [to San Francisco] and played and we got into talking about how the touring band for Remain in Light was so special,” he said when describing how the tour came about. “Adrian and I had a number of discussions. I always thought that joining forces with a band like Turkuaz made sense. They already have their own audience and also has a real familiarity with Talking Heads since they do those songs in their show … Obviously, it being the 40th anniversary of Remain in Light it felt very appropriate,” he continued.
When asked about potential song choices, Harrison told the interviewer that, depending on the length of the set, they would probably not play every song on the album at every show. “We definitely want to give Turkuaz a chance to play a couple of their songs. I think Adrian and I both probably want to play something of our own, too. Let’s just say we don’t feel obligated to play every song.” Furthermore, they will also be playing Talking Heads songs that aren’t on the iconic album.
His remarks regarding the comparison between the Stop Making Sense era and the Remain in Light era were extremely compelling. The interviewer exclaimed that the 1980 tour is often overlooked when compared to the Stop Making Sense period. “That’s what we feel,” said Harrison. “It was partially because of the way we set up on stage. We set up in a line like King Sunny Adé‘s band. David [Byrne] and I felt the need to have two bass players … I’m sure that was amazing on stage, but probably even more amazing for an audience member,” he remarked.
Throughout the interview, Harrison also made sure to mention the impact Belew had during his time touring with the Talking Heads and how he will impact the forthcoming tour. He went on to describe the difficulties he faces with regards to vocals. “One of the big challenges for me is that I’m going to end up singing songs that I only know as songs that David sang,” he explained. “That’s a very tricky thing for someone that has been in a band with someone else. You have to find a way that you feel comfortable, that is making it your own song.”
Additionally, Harrison told Rolling Stone that lead vocals would be shared, depending on the song. “I also think that the two women singers [in Turkuaz], Sammi [Garett] and Shira [Elias], I can imagine them singing lead on one of the songs.”
Harrison doesn’t feel the need to perform these songs the same way the Talking Heads did 40 years ago. He just wants “to do great versions with this group of musicians.”
Other notable components of the interview include Harrison exclaiming his openness to touring different albums in the future as well as his willingness to work with Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and David Byrne of the Talking Heads in the future. “Chris is really involved in writing his book right now,” remarked Harrison. “If they are nearby and want to join us, that would be great. I’d say the same thing about David. I’m not expecting it, but if it happens that would be wonderful.”
Harrison isn’t holding his breath with regards to a reunion, either. “You’ve seen where a band has reformed, but they come on and it’s clear they were inspired by the money. It can mean the music isn’t quite as good.” The interviewer went on to remark, “And David has made it very clear he doesn’t want to do it.” Harrison replied, “He certainly has.”
Towards the end of the interview, Harrison shed some light on the mysterious Instagram account that sparked reunion rumors. “It was basically a move to stop all of the false Talking Heads Instagram accounts,” said Harrison. “This was just an attempt to make people realize they were getting information from someone … that there is a place where if the band wanted to communicate, they could.”
In addition to Bonnaroo, Peach Festival, and BottleRock, the tour will also head to Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 22nd for a co-headlining show with The Motet.
See below for a full list of Remain In Light Turns 40 tour dates. Head to Turkuaz’s official website for tickets and more tour information.
[H/T Rolling Stone]