Photo by Jody Rogac

Written by Tim Hughes

THE frontman of one of the biggest bands of the 70s and 80s, Talking Heads, is to play a concert in Oxford - with tickets already selling fast

Composer, musician, actor and film maker David Byrne, right, will launch the UK leg of his American Utopia tour at the New Theatre Oxford on June 14.

The show is one of just five British dates, the others being in major cities: London, Glasgow,Manchester and Birmingham.

The gig follows dates in North and South America and will see him perform songs from his solo career and dating back to his time with Talking Heads - whose hits over 16 years included classic tunes Road to Nowhere, And She Was and Psycho Killer.

The Scottish-born, Maryland-raised performer has played the venue before, telling the Oxford Mail that he was a fan of the city – enjoying its bookshops, which he explored on a fold-up bicycle with which he often travels. This will be a far larger show, though, featuring a 12-piece band – promising to be, to quote one of the band's biggest hits, a 'once in a lifetime' experience.

Stephanie Tye, the theatre's marketing and communications officer, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming David Byrne to the venue for his American Utopia tour. It’s a great chance to hear his solo material, as well as some classics for Talking Heads.

"He joins an ever growing list of fantastic music acts who are performing at the New Theatre in 2018 including Bryan Ferry, The Waterboys, Billy Ocean, Joan Armatrading, Level 42, Michael Bolton and Public Service Broadcasting."

Tickets went on general sale at 10am today and are selling fast, with just a few remaining. If you want to be there for what promises to be a night to remember, you’ll need to book your tickets now.”

Tickets start at £40.15 from atgtickets.com