Talking Heads Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock New Wave Alternative rock Pop rock Pop music Indie rock Funk rock Art rock Progressive rock Experimental rock Punk rock Post-punk Funk Worldbeat Dance-rock Art punk Art pop Punk permanent wave dance rock zolo

Members

Select a Talking Heads band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Adrian Belew

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Nine Inch Nails King Crimson David Bowie (band) Tom Tom Club Discipline ProjeKct Two Adrian Belew Power Trio ProjeKct Six The Crimson ProjeKCt Gizmodrome BEAT

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David Byrne

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer Music Producer

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Tina Weymouth

Roles:

Singer Bassist Keyboardist

Groups:

Tom Tom Club The Heads

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Jerry Harrison

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

The Modern Lovers Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers Jerry Harrison: Casual Gods Bonzo Goes to Washington The Heads

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Bernie Worrell

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

Funkadelic Parliament Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains Praxis O.G. Funk Activities of Dust World-Wide-Funkdrive Parliament-Funkadelic The Woo Warriors The Golden Palominos Jack Bruce And The Cuicoland Express Baby Elephant Khu.éex' Method of Defiance Bahia Black SociaLybrium Fool Proof Bernie Worrell Orchestra Third Rail Niels and the New York Street Percussionists Worrell's Open Operatives WesNWorrell George Clinton and Family Flo George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars Black Jack Johnson Jerry Harrison: Casual Gods Sacred System Shin.e Fred Schneider & The Shake Society Paul Shaffer & the World's Most Dangerous Band Material

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Chris Frantz

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Tom Tom Club The Heads

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David Van Tieghem

Roles:

Drummer Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

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Alex Weir

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Brothers Johnson Tom Tom Club Jerry Harrison: Casual Gods

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About

Talking Heads is an American rock band known for their eclectic fusion of genres, including new wave, post-punk, and art rock. Originating from New York City in 1975, the group was formed by David Byrne (vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), and Tina Weymouth (bass), who met at the Rhode Island School of Design. They were later joined by Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar), a former member of The Modern Lovers. Talking Heads became a staple of the late '70s and '80s music scene, celebrated for their innovative sound that combined elements of punk, funk, and worldbeat.

How to Sound Like Talking Heads

Talking Heads' sound is characterized by a dynamic, rhythmic energy that blends artful guitar lines with a driving rhythm section. David Byrne’s use of the Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar and the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 synthesizer contribute to the band's layered, experimental textures. Their music often incorporates angular guitar riffs and funk-inspired bass lines, as showcased by Tina Weymouth’s use of the Fender Mustang Bass. The band's ability to weave polyrhythmic beats with quirky, intellectual lyrics creates a sound that is both innovative and danceable, making them a unique presence in the rock genre.

Discography

Talking Heads: 77 (Super Deluxe Edition) [2024 Remaster]

1977

Talking Heads '77

1977

More Songs About Buildings and Food

1978

More Songs About Buildings And Food (Super Deluxe Edition)

1978

Fear of Music

1979

Remain in Light

1980

The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (Expanded 2004 Remaster)

1982

Speaking in Tongues

1983

Stop Making Sense (Live)

1984

Little Creatures (Deluxe Version)

1985

True Stories (Deluxe Version)

1986

Naked

1988

Once in a Lifetime: The Talking Heads Box (2003 Remaster)

2003

Stop Making Sense (Deluxe Edition) [Live]

2023

Live WCOZ '77

2024

Live on Tour '78

2025

Get the Talking Heads Sound

Want to sound like Talking Heads? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.