REVIEW: An Evening with David Byrne: Live at The Fox Theatre - ATL
- Mikey Smith
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The influential artist calls for love and kindness in his immersive and eye-opening live show
On a cold December night in Atlanta, thousands flocked to the Fox Theatre to see the legendary David Byrne for his second night at the historic venue. Touring his newest project, Who is the Sky?, Byrne has a new story to tell of his life in the state of the 2020s soundtracked to music from his expansive, 50-year career.
As the house lights went down, Byrne and co. stood on the moon, looking at the world behind them. With a beautiful rendition of “Heaven,” he began his visually and aurally immersive stage show alongside his set of musicians, singers, and dancers. The 13 member Who Is the Sky? cast ensured every minute of the night was full of exciting moments. Through high-and-low energy, Byrne and his ensemble switched between classics like “And She Was” and “Houses in Motion” to recent releases like “Everybody Laughs” (which was accompanied by footage from documentarian John Wilson).
David Byrne’s latest work of art was enhanced by the locations and visual choices of this stage setup. One song you could be in a forest, and the next you find yourself in his NY apartment where he resided during the pandemic. Ocean waves crashing and moving at rapid speeds during “Slippery People” or footage of ICE arrests and protests over “Life During Wartime.” The spotlights following the band during “Psycho Killer” or the hazy, memory-like get-together behind “I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party.” Each time one door to a world of Byrne’s mind would close, a window to another part of his life would be introduced.
In my opinion, the coolest parts of the stage setup could be found in the screen-floor and Blacktrax. First off, yes, the encapsulating screens of this tour are even a part of the floor. Not only is it a great touch for Byrne and his band’s vision, but no matter where a fan buys tickets, they’ll each get their own experience of the night. Truly, there was not a bad seat in the house.
Second, Blacktrax were first introduced in Byrne’s American Utopia tour which allowed him and his troupe to interact with the screen in real time. Whether they're in sync with the videos or write the performers’ names among the stars, following their location as they dance and groove across the stage, Blacktrax continues to wow especially when you see it in real time.
What I believe to be the most captivating part of David Byrne’s newest tour is his message. For an artist whose touring schedule is unlike most, you can tell that he has a reason on why he wanted to write these songs and tell these stories. Byrne quotes an interview with John Cameron Mitchell, director Hedwig and the Angry Inch, reminding the audience that “love and kindness are the most punk things you can do right now.” This sentiment has been repeated in 2025 art, such as this summer’s Superman, but this quote certainly hits hard coming from Byrne.
Though his work has been simultaneously tongue in cheek and sincere with elements of post-punk and dance music, David Byrne has always played the role of an innovator and a beacon of hope for many artists. Paving the way for collaborators St. Vincent (who also had one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen) and Hayley Williams of Paramore (their hit 2017 song “Hard Times” was covered at the Atlanta show), his art has given many the opportunity to call out humanity’s shortcomings while embracing the beautiful parts of the world that we take for granted.
Namely, Byrne recalls a story of hearing the sound of people shortly after the pandemic. This led him to the thought that people love being with other people. Even through differences, we all naturally crave to be around others.
Closing with “Once in a Lifetime” before leading into a encore of “Everybody’s Coming to My House” and “Burning Down the House,” the full crowd of the Fox Theatre danced and shouted the most iconic parts (“My God, what have I done?”) of these timeless songs. With the credits of each of Byrne’s co-stars scrolling on the screen as they took their final bow, people of Atlanta proved that they love to be with other people.
Without a doubt, David Byrne will forever be the icon and influence they claim him to be. Bearing witness to his genius is something I shall cherish forever.
Thank you so much to David Byrne, his team, and The Fox Theatre for this remarkable evening! Please enjoy a gallery of highlights from the event below.
David Byrne's new album Who is the Sky? is out now via Matador Records.
Article and photos by Mikey Smith. Please credit @mts2.photo or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.