David Byrne Debuts New Single on “The Tonight Show” with Vivid Tracksuit Performance

David Byrne, the former Talking Heads frontman, brought a burst of color and energy to tonight’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with an intimate live performance at Rough Trade NYC in Rockefeller Plaza. Swapping his signature oversized suit for a bright orange tracksuit, Byrne unveiled his latest single, “What Is the Reason for It?,” from his forthcoming album Who Is the Sky? during the broadcast that aired on September 4, 2025.

Byrne’s spirited rendition featured his backup singers and musicians dressed in coordinating jackets and trousers, creating a cohesive visual statement that complemented the song’s reflective lyrics. The track, which poses existential questions-“Why is there? Is it my body or my brain?”-showcases Byrne’s trademark blend of cerebral lyricism and danceable groove. Produced by Grammy winner Kid Harpoon and featuring Paramore’s Hayley Williams, “What Is the Reason for It?” marks the fifth preview of his first studio album since 2018’s American Utopia and will be released this Friday, September 5, via Matador Records.