On Stage
David Byrne’s Night is a genre-defying celebration of two Scottish icons – Robert Burns and David Byrne (born in Dumbarton—look it up!), founded by Maddy O’Keefe and Dundee native Lola Stephen. What began in 2023 at Hackney’s glittering MOTH Club quickly became one of the most talked-about events in London’s live music scene, with the show selling out in a matter of days and amassing a four digit waitlist.
The concept is simple: supergroups formed from musicians across the indie, punk, and experimental scenes perform Talking Heads and David Byrne-adjacent hits, interspersed with Robert Burns poetry recitals.
Now an annual Burns Night fixture at MOTH Club, Byrne’s Night has expanded its reach, closing the second stage at 2024’s Wide Awake Festival and taking the After Dark slot at Green Man later that summer.
The magic lies in its eclectic, ever-changing house bands – far from your ordinary cover act, past editions have included members from Black Country, New Road, Bodega, Charlotte Adigery + Bolis Pupil, Dream Wife, Fatdog, Goat Girl, Honeyglaze, Lambrini Girls, The Last Dinner Party, Los Bitchos, Lynks, Mary In The Junkyard, Model/Actriz, PVA, shame, Sorry, Squid, Wunderhorse, and so many more. The event fosters collaborations between artists who might never otherwise share a stage, creating something utterly unique and fun for both the musicians and audience.
Adding to the spectacle is drag performer Ash Kenazi, who brings a layer of camp, theatricality, and pure chaos to the evening.It’s this high-energy blend of music, poetry, and performance that has earned Byrne’s Night its reputation as more than just a tribute event. It’s a celebration of collaboration, artistic freedom, and the joy of creating something unpredictable and exhilarating.
Byrne’s Night isn’t just about paying homage to David Byrne and Robert Burns; it’s about pushing boundaries and taking the best of both worlds – music and literature – and making them feel fresh, exciting, and alive. With the 40th anniversary of Stop Making Sense coinciding with the event’s growing fame, Byrne’s Night has tapped into something larger than just a fan celebration – it’s become a cultural moment in its own right.
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