Bobby Wooten III: The Life Of David Byrne’s Party In ‘American Utopia’

How do you groove with six drummers at the same time? This bassist does it while singing and dancing in David Byrne’s critically acclaimed show

Bobby Wooten III: The Life Of David Byrne’s Party In ‘American Utopia’

How do you groove with six drummers at the same time? This bassist does it while singing and dancing in David Byrne’s critically acclaimed show

David Byrne’s entire reputation is based on being alluringly odd. His bizarre antics as the frontman of the new-wave band Talking Heads were captured and celebrated in their 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense. If you haven’t watched it, Tina Weymouth’s bass performance is reason enough — but the band’s world-class musicianship, unconventional choreography, and legendary David-Byrne-in-an-absurdly-big-suit bit, are compelling grounds for embarking on the 90-minute experience. Moments such as the puzzling yet captivating dance shared between Byrne and a floor lamp are why the concert made a lasting impression on fans all over the world. Because, strangely — ironically — it actually made sense. After 30 years, the seminal Stop Making Sense still sets the bar for live concert films, which explains the well-earned hype for David Byrne’s new one: American Utopia. Undeniably, the question on everyone’s lips was: Will it match up to the 1984 classic? There are, of course,
Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.
Vicky Warwick   By: Vicky Warwick

If you're enjoying this story, please support Bass Magazine by making a donation!
You won't find this content anywhere else, and we have so much more coming soon.
A donation will help us continue to bring the future of bass to you, our beloved readers. Thank you!