David Byrne Welcomes Hayley Williams for Surprise Duet in New York

An unforgettable night at Radio City Music Hall featured David Byrne and Hayley Williams sharing the stage with electrifying chemistry.

When two distinct musical worlds collide, magic often ensues. That’s exactly what happened on October 11th at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall, where David Byrne—legendary frontman of Talking Heads—and Paramore’s powerhouse vocalist Hayley Williams treated fans to a surprise collaboration that left the crowd buzzing.

David Byrne and Hayley Williams share the stage in New York – a night to remember.

A Dynamic Duet Rekindled

Their camaraderie isn’t new; Byrne and Williams have shared a strong personal and creative bond over recent years, and last night was a celebration of that connection. The duo kicked off their unexpected appearance by revisiting “What Is the Reason for It?”, a standout track from Byrne’s latest album, Who Is the Sky? Hearing their voices intertwine once again was a treat for longtime fans.

Later in the show, Williams returned for another special moment, joining Byrne on a spirited cover of Paramore’s 2013 hit “Hard Times.” It’s a song Byrne has made a staple of his current North American tour setlist, but having Williams herself on stage added an electric new dimension.

From Stage to Screen: The Twits Collaboration

Their creative synergy extends beyond live performances. Both artists teamed up on “Open the Door,” a track featured in the upcoming Netflix animated film The Twits, which debuts October 17th. This collaboration is a part of Byrne’s larger project for the film, where he wrote and produced three other original songs—“We’re Not Like Ev’ryone Else,” “Lullaby,” and “The Problem Is You.” Based on Roald Dahl’s twisted characters, The Twits boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Natalie Portman and Emilia Clarke, adding further allure to the project.

You can listen to “Open the Door” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWKTTG6IvEU

Admiration from a Legend

Byrne has often spoken warmly about Williams’ stage presence and connection with her audience. Reflecting on her performance with Paramore at Madison Square Garden in 2023, he shared with People magazine:

“She has an extraordinary rapport with her audience. It’s very sincere and very close, which I made note of. I just thought, that’s really amazing.” — David Byrne

This mutual respect shines through in their collaborations, making every joint appearance feel effortless and genuine.

Tour Dates and What's Next

Byrne’s four-night stint at Radio City Music Hall wraps up tonight, but his North American tour rolls on through December 6th, culminating in Miami. Following this, he’s set to take his inventive sound across the globe, with a string of dates lined up in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and Europe starting January 14th in Auckland.

Music lovers, this fusion of Byrne’s quirky, art-rock sensibility with Williams’ emotive alt-rock energy is a reminder of the beauty that happens when artists from different generations and styles come together. Have you caught one of their live performances or listened to Who Is the Sky? yet?

FAQ

• How did David Byrne and Hayley Williams first start collaborating?
  Their collaboration began through mutual respect and a shared creative vision, leading to recorded tracks and live performances over the past few years.
• What is the latest album David Byrne released?
  His most recent album is Who Is the Sky?, featuring innovative sounds and guest artists including Hayley Williams.
• Where can I watch or listen to their new song for The Twits?
  The song “Open the Door” is available on YouTube and will feature in the Netflix film The Twits, premiering October 17th.
• Is “Hard Times” originally a Paramore song?
  Yes, "Hard Times" is a Paramore hit from 2013, which Byrne has been covering on his current tour, sometimes with Williams joining him live.
• When and where is David Byrne’s next tour stop after Radio City Music Hall?
  After New York, Byrne continues touring North America until December 6th, with international dates following in early 2025.

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