Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): An Evening With David Byrne - Who is the Sky Tour, SEC Armadillo, Glasgow. Friday 6th March, 2026.

And so begins my second night of being entertained by a grey-haired Scottish pensioner, albeit one with a more prolific musical pedigree. I had deliberately avoided seeking out any information about the show, bar looking up the setlist. I had not expected so many Talking Heads numbers, so I had to expand my listening beyond his recent album.

Preshow birdsong

I'm not a Talking Heads aficionado, nor have I followed David's solo career closely, but I was aware of the acclaim for his previous tour, which is why my interest was piqued for this one.

There was no support act, with the show due to begin at 8 pm. I arrived early, finding the auditorium sparse, though not empty. Birdsong, rather than music, played over the PA (except available on the short video above - DO NOT expect anything to happen).

The stage is equally bare. A moonscape dominates the floor and the lower section of the semicircular wall, which blocks off the back of the stage. The wall has two gaps and appears to be covered with black drapes, though the lads who later sit beside me debate whether they are screens or curtains. I use my phone camera to zoom in and decide curtains. They decide the moonscape is a projection.

The show is a complete sellout, so by 8 pm, most people are already in their seats. A message over the PA warns us to 'be present and to limit our phone and video use during the performance for the benefit of those around us. Dancing, however, is allowed, except in the aisles, due to Fire Safety regulations.' This elicits a cheer from the crowd. My view of the right side of the stage is hindered by the tall chap sitting in front, so it's clear I'm not going to be able to film the show anyway. I settle in to take in the experience.

It then occurs to me that there are no instruments or equipment present anywhere. Is everything hidden behind the walls? Would they lift away to reveal a band?

A Glaswegian voice cries out from the Rear Circle, seeking out the location of his mates. They, it turns out, are a few rows in front of me. They shout back, mocking him for trying to find them in the wrong section. The skinny man then makes his way down the steps, focusing all his attention on not spilling the four full pints he is carrying in the square cardboard drinks holder. At his row, everyone stands up to allow him access. Halfway along, he stumbles, yelling an expletive in alarm as the drinks tumble. However, thanks to the quick action of the person he had reached, who grabbed two tumbling pints, disaster was averted. The grateful drinker proceeded to his seat with most of his purchases intact.

The lights dim. The show begins.

David and his dozen-strong ensemble flow through the gaps in the wall and adopt their starting positions. They all wear the same blue suits that David wears, even down to the shoes. It becomes clear that the flooring is also a giant screen. The drapes that I believed covered the walls turned out to be images of drapes. Every visible inch of the stage is a screen, used to wonderful effect. It feels like a mini version of the Las Vegas Sphere, though only within the stage. Very clever.

The musicians carry and play their instruments like a marching band, only with more intricate choreography. This has all been carefully thought out. The backing dancers are also the backing singers. The effect is mesmerising. The sound is full and rich, and I'm in 'Heaven'.

During one song, the musicians' names appear on the walls, mapping their locations as they move about the stage. The names also appear on the floor beside the white circles, which follow their paths. I can't tell if AI is being used to monitor this or if everything has been precisely choreographed.

For another song, David walks across the stage, his silhouette within a moving spotlight on the wall. When he changes direction, the silhouette doesn't, eliciting a laugh from the crowd as the shadow tries to catch up with him. Again, all very clever.

David's song introductions weren't always as exacting. He knew what he wanted to say, but when the crowd shouted out, it interrupted his flow. I found the crowd equally distracting. During his less well-known numbers, punters often exited to head to the bar, causing everyone in their row to rise. The same would happen again upon their return. I wish the venue would shut the bars during the performance and insist the staff limit ingress and egress to between songs. If the intention is to be present, I want to experience the show, not the punters needing a piss or a pint.

Anyway, the show itself was an extraordinary experience. As soon as it was over, I was on the internet, looking up ATG, Ticketmaster and Twickets to see if I could get tickets for the Playhouse shows - unfortunately, they were all completely sold out.

Another Scottish pensioner at the top of his game.

Setlist

Heaven (Talking Heads song)

Everybody Laughs

And She Was (Talking Heads song)

Strange Overtones (Brian Eno & David Byrne cover)

Houses in Motion (Talking Heads song)

T Shirt

(Nothing but) Flowers (Talking Heads song)

This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Talking Heads song)

What Is the Reason for It?

Like Humans Do