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.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
