Full Breakdown
David Byrne’s “Who Is the Sky?” Tour to Be Immortalized in 70 mm Concert Film
8/27/2026, 8:05:01 PM
Core Event: 70 mm Concert Film in Post-Production
David Byrne’s “Who Is the Sky?” world tour is being captured for a concert film shot on 70 mm at the Hippodrome in Baltimore. Director Brady Corbet oversaw filming over multiple nights using 8-perf and 15-perf formats. The project is in post-production; distribution details are pending.
Background & Context: Byrne’s Concert-Film Heritage
Byrne’s live shows have intersected with cinema before: Jonathan Demme’s 1984 *Stop Making Sense* was re-released in 2023, and Spike Lee’s 2020 *American Utopia* documented an earlier tour and won two Emmys. The new film continues this tradition of avant-garde direction paired with Byrne’s stage work.
Production Details & Key Personnel
The film is produced by The Deep End Films and Pre-Code (Corbet’s company) with Mona Fastvold, and presented by River Road Entertainment. Producers include Amit Dey, Jason Fine, Brady Corbet, Maddie Browning, and David Byrne. Executive producers are Bill Pohlad, Andrew van Wyk, Michael Overman, Meredith and Martin Sumner, Sam Fayed, and Adam Gibbs. Representation for Corbet and Pre-Code is handled by Range Media Partners and CAA; global distribution rights are being negotiated by Byrne’s agents at The Gersh Agency with The Deep End.
Tour Scope & Technical Highlights
The “Who Is the Sky?” production features 13 musicians, singers and dancers on a wrap-around LED set, blending dance, rock and multimedia. Launched in September 2025, the tour has logged more than 150 dates across four continents, including recent stops at the Hollywood Bowl, a five-night run in Mexico City, and a final concert scheduled for September 19 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York.
Official Statements & Responses
Byrne praised the visual impact of the 70 mm format, noting that the widescreen scope captured aspects of the show he had not seen before.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When Brady told me he wanted to shoot our show in 70 millimeter (70 millimeter!) I didn’t realize what a difference it would make until I saw some frames he sent me,” — David Byrne
- “I am so grateful to David Byrne and his entire team for entrusting us to capture his hometown show on 8-perf and 15-perf 70mm,” — Brady Corbet, director
Why It Matters
The project highlights a growing trend of using large-format film to document live music, aiming to create a cinematic record that matches the artistic ambition of Byrne’s performances. By employing 70 mm, the filmmakers seek visual fidelity suitable for specialty venues, potentially expanding the audience for concert cinema beyond streaming platforms.
Timeline
- September 2025 – Tour launch.
- May 2025 – Multiple nights filmed at Baltimore’s Hippodrome.
- September 19 (scheduled) – Tour concludes at Forest Hills Stadium, Queens.
The concert film remains in post-production, with its release strategy to be announced by the producers and their distribution partners.
