David Byrne to curate Southbank's Meltdown

Byrne follows an list of esteemed directors that includes David Bowie, Patti Smith, Morrissey, Massive Attack, Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, John Peel and Yoko Ono

David Byrne said in a statement:

"This is going to be exciting! I plan to invite performers I've seen – and I do get out – and others I've missed or have dreamed of seeing. It's going to be a bit of fun puzzle-solving I imagine – seeing who's interested, who is available and what venues at Southbank Centre are appropriate. I really hope to find things that take this beyond sit-down concerts as well – but of course I'm speaking way too early as I'm still working on my wish list. Hoping that I get to stay in the Room For London, on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof, for the whole time, but suspect that might expecting too much."

He's known for his work with Talking Heads, Brian Eno, Anna Calvi, St. Vincent and more.

The Southbank Centre's artistic director, Jude Kelly, also expressed excitement at Byrne taking part:

"Because a perfect Meltdown Director is David Byrne we can't quite believe that fate has conspired to make it happen! All of us are thrilled at the prospect of his musicality and terrific brain power being used to curate our great and historical festival.”

For more information on the Southbank Centre and Meltdown Festival, head here.