Watch: Talking Heads Join Colbert to Discuss ‘Stop Making Sense’ and More

On Wednesday evening, members of the Talking Heads appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. During the broadcast, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth, and Chris Frantz discussed a bevy of topics surrounding the 40th-anniversary theatrical re-release of their famed concert film, Stop Making Sense.

From the moment the band stepped out on stage, it was apparent everyone was there for a good time. Colbert’s praises gave way to his first question of the night: “What was it like to hit as a band? A lot of people work hard to find their sound, hoping that an audience is going to appreciate it. But you had this extraordinary explosion onto the scene–in 1977…” The host went on to list the bands that ruled the airwaves at the time, informing his prior question, inevitably taking his dialogue back to his admiration for the band. 

Rather than leave room for the group to tackle the initial questions, Colbert told them a story about the fall of 1983, when he had tickets to see the band and skipped out, opting to finish his college paper. Turning to Weymouth, he asked: “How big of a mistake did I make?” To which she responded, “I think you did great, Stephen because I think all the kids were really high that night. And it would have been impossible to write your paper afterward.” 

The interview continued with discussions on their initial formation and early days of touring–including playing at a pizza shop and fire eater opening the show. Touching on Stop Making Sense, Harrison mentioned assembling a group of backing musicians who appeared on screen. Frantz also discussed seeing the Ramones at the New York City venue, CBGBs. 

In time, the conversation shifted, and Colbert asked about the future, mentioning the potential for a reunion show. With an air of humor, Colbert offered up the house band’s instruments if the group was in need. “You got to admit it would be legendary if you got up there right now and played a song. It would be epic,” proclaimed the late-night talk show host, working in a reference to their song “Crosseyed and Painless.” 

Last night’s conversation marked another chapter in the Talking Heads’ 40th-anniversary celebration of Stop Making Sense, following their initial coming together during the September Toronto International Film Festival screening. Read more. 

Stream last night’s interview below.