Nearly 48 years after its release, Talking Heads’ classic “Psycho Killer” finally has an official music video. The clip was directed by Mike Mills (Beginners, C’mon C’mon) and stars Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as a woman losing a grip on reality after repeating the same humdrum tasks day after day.
It arrives on the 50th anniversary of Talking Heads’ first live show opening for the Ramones at New York’s CBGB. “This video makes the song better,” the Talking Heads’ members say. “We LOVE what this video is NOT — it’s not literal, creepy, bloody, physically violent or obvious.”
Mills adds that “Psycho Killer” parent album Talking Heads ’77 “literally changed what was possible in life for me, so to get to play with the subversive, uncategorizable beauty of Talking Heads, and to play with Saoirse who brought so much surprise, power, vulnerability and mischief to the party, it’s one of the best things I ever got to be a part of. Still can’t believe it actually happened.”
For Ronan, “to simply be mentioned in the same breath as Talking Heads is hands-down one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me, let alone making a video with the singular Mike Mills to accompany one of their most iconic songs. I have grown up listening to their music, so this truly is a childhood/teenage/lifelong dream come true.”
As previously reported, Talking Heads will further celebrate their 50th birthday with a July 25 reissue of their Brian Eno-produced 1978 sophomore album, More Songs About Buildings and Food.
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
