American Utopia

Overview

Legendary Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is returning to New Zealand shores this November. While down under, Byrne will hit up Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland to promote his newly released — and already acclaimed — album American Utopia.

Byrne's first solo album in 14 years, American Utopia features songs co-written by Brian Eno and contributions from Sampha and electro producer Daniel Lopatin. As well as songs off the new album, Byrne will perform classics from his solo career and hits from his Talking Heads days — expect 'Psycho Killer', 'This Must Be the Place' and, of course, 'Burning Down the House' to make an appearance.

The show is one of Byrne's most ambitious yet, too, with a 12-piece band joining him on stage and choreography by Annie-B Parson, who choreographed the St Vincent and David Byrne collaboration back in 2013.

It's expected to be an eclectic and moving performance, with early shows reviewed as "at once novel and oddly comforting" and "a thought provoking example of the power of live music". Byrne performed the show at Coachella earlier this year, where it was a standout.

Tickets to the American Utopia tour will go on sale at midday on Monday, June 18.