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This Punk Band Helped Boost The Talking Heads Early in Their Career (But at What Soggy, Smelly Cost?)
Talking Heads received a significant career opportunity in 1977 when they joined The Ramones for a European tour, their first performances in that market. In a recent interview, frontman David Byrne reflected positively on the exposure to fresh audiences, though he acknowledged the experience introduced the band to punk culture's more challenging aspects, including back-to-back performances at London's Roundhouse.
One shock to the touring musicians was 'gobbing,' a practice in which audience members spat on performers—a phenomenon that affected The Ramones more frequently than Talking Heads. Byrne noted that The Ramones' leather jackets offered practical protection against the behavior. The practice had emerged from a misinterpreted newspaper article widely understood to suggest punks enjoyed being spat upon, and endorsements from certain punk figures helped entrench it despite most musicians finding it objectionable.
In short
- Talking Heads gained major exposure in 1977 by opening for The Ramones on their first European tour
- The tour introduced the band to 'gobbing'—a punk scene practice where audiences spat on performers—an unpleasant tradition most musicians resisted
- The trend originated from a misread newspaper article and gained traction through selective punk endorsements despite widespread musician disapproval
Explained simply
In 1977, Talking Heads were an emerging American band, while The Ramones were already established in the punk scene. Touring Europe with The Ramones gave Talking Heads a chance to perform for new audiences, including at London’s Roundhouse, a major music venue.
Punk shows could involve confrontational behaviour from some audience members. One example was “gobbing”: spitting at performers, a practice linked to a misunderstanding about punks welcoming it. The Ramones were targeted more often than Talking Heads, and their leather jackets offered some protection.