David Byrne Questions ‘What Is The Reason For It?’ On ‘The Tonight Show’
The episode also saw Byrne discuss his pending wedding, performing with Olivia Rodrigo and more with host Jimmy Fallon.
By Andy Kahn Sep 4, 2025 • 7:33 am PDT
Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC
David Byrne appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon during a week that will see the Talking Heads co-founder release his solo album, Who Is The Sky?, and get married to his partner Mala Gaonkar. Byrne spoke to host Jimmy Fallon about his pending nuptials and the episode featured a performance the album’s single, “What Is The Reason For It?”
Byrne revealed his wedding plans by sharing the playlist he curated for the event’s dinner. In addition to briefly discussing his marriage to Gaonkar, the 73-year-old Byrne also spoke about his surprise appearance with Olivia Rodrigo at this summer’s Governor’s Ball festival in New York. The interview also touched on Byrne being encouraged to try stand-up comedy by Fred Armisen and how Who Is The Sky? got its title.
Byrne’s musical performance of “What Is The Reason For It?” was recorded downstairs at Rough Trade’s 30 Rock record shop. The episode aired the live version of the album track, and then subsequently posted video of Byrne also performing the single “Everybody Laughs,” as well as the Talking Heads classic “Houses in Motion.”
Byrne will embark on World Tour supporting Who Is The Sky? beginning September 14 in Providence, Rhode Island. Watch the full three-song performance at Rough Trade and see Byrne’s chat with Fallon via the videos below:
