David Byrne Shares His “Biking Playlist”
David Byrne has released a new instalment of his David Byrne Radio series, called "Biking Playlist," made up of songs he listens to while cycling between shows on his ongoing "Who Is the Sky?" tour. The Talking Heads co-founder revealed that he and his bandmates travel with folding bicycles so they can explore new cities during time off, with Byrne often putting on the playlist when riding alone on quiet or secure routes. The release offers a personal glimpse into how the musician unwinds during an extensive touring schedule.
Cycling has long been part of Byrne's life, having used a bike as his main mode of transport around New York since the early 1980s; he also published the travelogue "Bicycle Diaries" in 2009 and has designed bike racks installed across the city. The new playlist spans artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Audrey Hobert, St. Vincent, Harry Styles and Paul McCartney, reflecting what Byrne describes as his broad, boundary-blurring view of pop music. The tour, which began in September 2025, is entering its final stretch after keeping him on the road for roughly a year.
- Byrne shares a cycling playlist from his "Who Is the Sky?" tour
- Band travels with folding bikes to explore cities on days off
- Playlist features Rodrigo, Bridgers, Mitski, McCartney and more
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David Byrne is a singer, songwriter and artist best known as a co-founder of Talking Heads, the American band behind songs such as “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime”. He has also made solo music and other creative projects, including a 2009 book about travelling by bicycle.
Cycling has been part of Byrne’s daily life in New York for decades, and he has supported city cycling through projects such as designing bike racks. His interest in music also ranges across generations and styles, so the artists he listens to can include both newer performers and established stars.
For a musician who spends long stretches touring, cycling offers a way to explore a city between performances. Byrne’s playlist connects those two parts of his life and gives a glimpse of the music he enjoys on the road.