Adrian Belew Print

Adrian Belew is a case study in perpetual motion. The American guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer remains endlessly and restlessly creative, 45 years since his career began. His professional endeavors kicked off in 1977, performing with the Nashville-based rock act Sweetheart, which rapidly led to him working with Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, and King Crimson, all within the next four years. Belew’s extraordinary ascent resulted from his singular guitar approach that combines brains, brawn, and technology in equal measure. He’s capable of creating exceptionally unique shapes with the instrument that rage, swoon, and swoop, often with otherworldly and animal-like intimations. He’s equally adept within progressive and avant realms, as he is within addictive pop and driving rock contexts. His latest—and notably, his 25th—solo album, Elevator, is an elegant composite of his many directions, styles, influences, and cross-genre proclivities. The song-based recording is both accessible and eclectic. It’s infused with Belew’s observations about the bizarre times in which we live, from pandemics to escalating violence to cemented, polarized political worldviews. It also offers hope and positivity, encouraging people to get out into the real world, bridge their differences, and try to move forward despite the all the upheaval. In addition to his solo career, Belew has focused on several touring bands. Gizmodrome, an art-rock quartet also featuring Stewart Copeland, Mark King, and Vittorio Cosma, released a 2017 self-titled studio album and 2021’s Gizmodrome Live, capturing its limited run as a performing unit. He also reunited with Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison to play the entirety of that band’s classic Remain in Light recording live over the last two years. He’s also co-leading the 2022 Celebrating David Bowie tour, together with Todd Rundgren and Scrote, performing material from across the rock icon’s oeuvre.