In 1979, Talking Heads brought New York’s outsiders to mainstream TV. But they could never quite fit in
- Talking Heads made their mainstream TV debut on *American Bandstand* in 1979.
- “Take Me to the River” had become their first Billboard top 30 hit.
- David Byrne’s awkward interview contrasted with the band’s growing success.
Talking Heads appeared on *American Bandstand* for the first time on 17 March 1979, bringing their New York post-punk sound to a mainstream television audience. Their hit cover of Al Green’s “Take Me to the River” had helped them break nationally, but the interview highlighted how awkwardly the…