Week in Rock: Bitte Byrne Edition

And the Heat Goes on Where the Hand Has Been

In some circles, Lou Reed is regarded as New York's quintessential rock and roll old-timer, but at this point the petulant old fart doesn't have anything on David Byrne. True, Byrne is a decade younger, but at 57 the intellectually and socially engaged artist still radiates vitality like white heat. His exhilarating, two hour performance to kick off another season of free concerts in Brooklyn's Prospect Park was a tour de force of musical and theatrical inspiration, complete with an ace back-up band clad all in white, an ensemble of loopy interpretive dancers, a costume change involving tutus, and three encores.

Wow, what a concert. Thunderstorms had been predicted all day, but come show time the skies were clear over a packed Prospect Park. Byrne, who told everyone he rode his bike to the gig, started off having a new Jamis bike wheeled on stage and announcing that one lucky cyclist who used the valet bike parking would be chosen to win the new wheels. Then it was blast off, into a spellbinding set featuring a heady mix of new and old collaborations between Byrne and Brian Eno. That meant new gems like the set-opener Strange Overtones were informed by Talking Heads classics from the back catalog like Crosseyed and Painless, Once in a Lifetime, Life During Wartime, and—if you missed it; this is probably starting to sting—Born Under Punches, Take Me to the River, and Heaven. (Brooklyn Vegan has more photos and the full set list.)

For many in attendance, this blogger included, this was the first time hearing such essential Heads songs live and in person, and the experience was immensely satisfying. After just a few songs, even the swells in the orchestra section, who had paid dearly for their seats as part of a Celebrate Brooklyn fundraiser, were up and dancing. And Byrne and company seemed visibly taken aback by the massive crowd's collective euphoria. It was just one of those magical nights which prove that New York City's still got it. (You just have to go to Brooklyn to get it most nights.)—John Del Signore

(Photo by John Del Signore)