Watch: Talking Heads Mark 50th Anniversary with New “Psycho Killer” Music Video ft. Saoirse Ronan

After pent-up anticipation regarding the nature of the Talking Heads’ June 5 announcement, the band has unveiled the catalyst for the fan-felt pandemonium by unveiling the first and only official music video for their mid-seventies released fan favorite, “Psycho Killer.” The new visual representation stars Irish actress Saoirse Ronan and was directed by filmmaker Mike Mills. The video’s arrival coincides with the 50th anniversary of the band’s live debut, which took place at New York’s acclaimed CBGB on June 5, 1975, when they opened for the Ramones. 

The signature pulse of Tina Weymouth’s bass creates a tension-building start as actress Ronan takes on mundane day-to-day tasks: wake up, work, repeat. As David Byrne’s iconic lyrics continue, discomfort ensues, and nothing changes besides the growl of growing dissatisfaction that turns into disillusionment, questioning, and ultimately outbursts. The outcome is the actress’ renewed sense of comfort evoked through playful movements that rival Byrne’s own twist. 

“Psycho Killer” was initially released in 1977; its widespread success as the band’s first charting single established their popularity and a five-decade deep history. Speaking to the arrival of the new video, the band commented via press release, “This video makes the song better- We LOVE what this video is NOT – it’s not literal, creepy, bloody, physically violent or obvious.” 

Ronan offered, “To simply be mentioned in the same breath as Talking Heads is hands down one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me, let alone making a video with the singular Mike Mills to accompany one of their most iconic songs – ‘Psycho Killer’. I have grown up listening to their music, so this truly is a childhood/teenage/lifelong dream come true. Mike, myself and the rest of the creative team had so much fun making this, and I can’t wait for Talking Heads fans to see it!” 

Speaking the band, and song’s influence on the director, he said, “This album literally changed what was possible in life for me, so to get to play with the subversive, uncategorizable beauty of Talking Heads, and to play with Saoirse who brought so much surprise, power, vulnerability and mischief to the party, it’s one of the best things I ever got to be a part of – still can’t believe it actually happened.” 

Watch the official music video for “Psycho Killer” below.