Best of Budapest & Hungary

His career began as a founding member of Talking Heads, but after the band’s breakup he went on to build a legendary solo career as well, with songs that reflect the colorful imprint of his creative, ever-restless mind. His new album, Who Is The Sky?, released this year, is no exception — it is filled with joyful and cinematic moments. David Byrne last performed in Budapest in 2009, making his return on June 18 at the Budapest Arena a truly special occasion.

    In 2023, Byrne brought his triumphant American Utopia era to a close, after the album and tour evolved first into an acclaimed Broadway production and then into an HBO film directed by Spike Lee. After wrapping up the project, he once again started recording the chords and melodies that came to mind. These very rudimentary songs gradually began to take shape over time — just Byrne on acoustic guitar, singing over a programmed loop or beat. And as the world — and his ongoing American Utopia Broadway run — came to a halt, Byrne, like much of humanity, found himself asking: “Do I like what I’m doing? Why am I writing songs, why am I doing this job, or anything at all? Does any of it even matter?”

    His attempts to answer these weighty questions can be heard on Who Is The Sky?, his first collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull — Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus) and the New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. The album also features guest appearances by Hayley Williams (Paramore), longtime collaborator St. Vincent (“she lives just around the corner from the studio,” Byrne notes), and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner.

    The album builds on the optimistic themes of American Utopia and its supporting tour, and even more directly connects to the messages of the Grammy-winning Broadway show and the film adaptation. With this work, Byrne continues his lifelong exploration of human connection and the potential for social unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world. Who Is The Sky? is particularly cinematic, humorous and joyful, yet filled with thoughtful insights: that love is inexplicable, that enlightenment means something different to every person, and that it’s always a good idea to moisturize — whether you wake up with baby-soft skin the next morning or not. Above all, the songs highlight Byrne’s enduring gift for walking the fine line between avant-garde experimentation and accessible pop.

    Byrne was inspired to involve Ghost Train Orchestra after hearing their 2023 tribute album honoring Moondog, the blind New York composer and street poet. Later that year he even joined them onstage during a Brooklyn performance. The 15-member Ghost Train’s diverse instrumentation — including drums, percussion, guitar and bass alongside strings, woodwinds and brass — sparked Byrne’s imagination: “What if these new songs of mine sounded like that?” He asked if they would like to serve as his band for the Who Is The Sky? recordings — and they quickly agreed.

    Thanks to this remarkable collaboration, Who Is The Sky? achieves a light, radiant diversity that both lifts the spirits and invites reflection on life’s small and large questions. And this is the journey David Byrne now invites the Hungarian audience to join on June 18 at the Budapest Arena.

    Members of the artist’s official fan club will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets starting December 9 from 10am, while registered Live Nation members can join the presale from 10am on December 11. General ticket sale begins on December 12 at 10am.