Prepare to once again experience the iconic Talking Heads concert film, “Stop Making Sense,” on the big screen as it embarks on a cinematic celebration tour in honor of its 40th anniversary this summer. A24, the studio that acquired worldwide rights to the film, is set to bring this beloved classic to theaters across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. starting January 27.
Residencies for “Stop Making Sense” are scheduled in prominent cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto, among others. Tickets for these special screenings can be purchased online.
A24, not content with merely bringing the film back to theaters, will also launch a special collection of merchandise, available for purchase at selected theaters. For avid fans, a collector’s edition 4K and Blu-ray release of the film is set to open for preorders on January 27. Given Talking Heads’ reunion at the Toronto International Film Festival last year to celebrate the film, there is anticipation that band members might make surprise cameos during the cinematic tour.
In an exciting development announced on January 10, A24 teased a “Stop Making Sense” tribute album slated for release later this year. The album, featuring Paramore covering “Burning Down the House” as the lead track, will include contributions from 15 other yet-to-be-announced artists, recreating the setlist of the original “Stop Making Sense” tour.
A24’s re-release of “Stop Making Sense” in theaters last fall proved to be a resounding success, grossing $5 million at the box office. This figure surpassed the film’s entire initial 41-week run in 1984, which amounted to $4.95 million. Notably, “Stop Making Sense” achieved the status of Imax’s highest-grossing live event, generating $640,839 and selling out 25 screens across 165 Imax locations in North America.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, “Stop Making Sense” is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest concert films of all time. Featuring Talking Heads members David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison, along with Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry, and Ednah Holt, the live performance was captured over three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983. As the film continues to captivate audiences, this cinematic celebration tour promises to reignite the magic of “Stop Making Sense” for both devoted fans and new generations alike.
