Two of the most innovative and influential names in modern music are coming to Athens in the summer of 2026, brought by Release Athens Festival and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). David Byrne will perform on June 21 at the Great Lawn of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), and the Gorillaz will take the stage on June 25 at Plateia Nerou.

David Byrne

Best known as the frontman of the legendary Talking Heads, David Byrne has earned equal acclaim through his adventurous solo career, fearlessly exploring diverse musical directions. Since the band’s breakup in 1991, Byrne has undertaken countless projects — from solo albums and film or theater productions to founding his label Luaka Bop, which played a key role in introducing Western audiences to groundbreaking artists from South America and Africa.

His passion for unique rhythms, talent for original and infectious melodies, and sharp lyrical insight define a discography filled with iconic albums such as My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (with Brian Eno), Rei Momo, Catherine Wheel, Love This Giant (with St. Vincent), The Last Emperor, and, of course, the Talking Heads classics Remain in Light and Fear of Music.

Now in his sixth decade of music-making, Byrne has won an Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy, and a special Tony Award, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His most recent album, Who Is the Sky? (2025), recorded with the Ghost Train Orchestra, continues his creative evolution.
During his Athens concert — part of the Who Is the Sky world tour — he will perform both Talking Heads hits and highlights from his solo career.

Gorillaz

The Gorillaz, the groundbreaking virtual band created by Damon Albarn (of Blur) and Jamie Hewlett in 1998, will perform in Greece for the first time, delivering a spectacular audiovisual show. From their base at Hewlett’s Kong Studios, Gorillaz became synonymous with musical innovation, collaborating with an astonishing array of artists including Elton John, Little Simz, MF Doom, Grace Jones, Robert Smith, Stevie Nicks, Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, Beck, and many others.

With eight acclaimed albums — Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (2011), Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018), Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez (2020), and Cracker Island (2023) — the band is a global phenomenon. Their debut sold over 7 million copies and earned them a Guinness World Record as the most successful virtual band, while Plastic Beach surpassed 8 million worldwide sales. Gorillaz have won Grammys, BRIT Awards, and topped charts across the globe.

Ticket Information

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is partnering with Release Athens as part of its 30th anniversary of philanthropic activity, bringing culture and music closer to everyone. Thanks to SNF’s support, ticket prices will be 40–50% lower than those for comparable international events.

Ticket presales begin Wednesday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m.

• David Byrne & more TBA: starting at €40, then €45 and €50
• Gorillaz & more TBA: starting at €50, then €55