David Byrne is one of the most original and influential artists of the last half century. Since co-founding Talking Heads in 1975, his work has spanned music (including his 2025 album Who Is The Sky?), film, theatre (American Utopia, Here Lies Love), photography and visual art, establishing him as one of the most curious and inventive cultural thinkers of our time. This November, he comes to the UK to present a brand-new solo talk inspired by his forthcoming book, Sleeping Beauties.

We like to believe that the best ideas inevitably and immediately rise to the top. Yet many of history’s most transformative discoveries, inventions and works of art were overlooked in their own time. From the discovery of continental drift and dark matter to the works of Bach, Vermeer and Melville, countless breakthroughs lie dormant for years before the world finally recognises their significance.

In this fascinating new talk, Byrne explores why some ideas flourish almost instantly while others remain hidden in plain sight. He celebrates the visionaries who were ahead of their time and the creations that went on to change the world.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear one of today’s most original creative minds live on stage, reflecting on creativity, innovation, recognition and the remarkable journeys of ideas that almost disappeared from history – but ended up shaping it.

You can buy a hardback copy of David Byrne‘s new book, Sleeping Beauties, with your ticket at a discounted price of £22 (RRP £26).

David Byrne’s fees for this event will be donated to Rocksteady Foundation