When the four original members of Talking Heads came together recently to promote the reissue of their iconic 1984 concert movie Stop Making Sense, hopes were raised for a fully-fledged reunion.

It’s never likely to happen of course – they apparently turned down an $80 million offer for a tour – but Jerry Harrison, the band member largely responsible for remastering the movie’s audio, is providing the next best thing. The guitarist and keyboard player has joined forces with Adrian Belew, former singer and guitarist with prog rock giants King Crimson, and an extensive backing band to perform a selection of Heads’ music, including all of their seminal 1980 album Remain In Light.

Belew contributed guitar solos to that classic LP – which contains the likes of Once In A Lifetime, Born Under Punches and Houses In Motion – and was also a member of Talking Heads’ expanded touring band, making him the perfect foil to help recreate the material, according to Harrison.

“Remain In Light is a high point in my career,” he said. “Adrian and I had often discussed the magic of the 1980 tour and the sheer joy it brought to audiences. It is such a delight to see that joy once again in the audiences on the current tour.”

The pair’s shows actually started as a one-off festival appearance with American funk outfit Turkuaz – a gig that marked Harrison’s first live performance in 25 years – but has become a touring act with more or less the same musicians. Turkuaz have since disbanded but seven members went on to form Cool Cool Cool, who not only make up the bulk of Harrison and Belew’s backing band, but also serve as the opening act.

It all adds up to a great night out according to Belew, who’s loving playing tunes that still mean so much to so many.

“[It’s] a joyful show of Talking Heads songs you know and love performed by a hot, 11-piece ensemble including Jerry and me,” he says. “You can’t help but dance and go home with a happy smile on your face.”

Steve Adams