Get ready for a journey through the captivating world of Radiohead, a band that has left an indelible mark on music for four decades. But here's where it gets controversial... their journey hasn't been without its challenges and controversies, especially when it comes to their stance on certain political issues.
It all began in 1985 when a young Thom Yorke, then just 17, stumbled into the school music room and met Jonny Greenwood, a few years his junior. With a simple command, "Get the double bass!", and a playful suggestion to "Just hit it!", Radiohead was born. Little did they know that this impromptu gathering would lead to a musical legacy that would span generations.
Over the years, Radiohead evolved from their early days as "On a Friday" to become one of the most influential bands of our time. Their journey to stardom was swift, with a record deal in 1991 and their debut album, "Pablo Honey", spawning the iconic hit "Creep" in 1993. But it was their follow-up album, "The Bends", that truly set them apart, making their guitar-driven peers seem rather ordinary in comparison.
The accolades kept pouring in, especially after the release of "OK Computer", an album that captured the millennial angst of its time. It was declared the greatest album ever by both Q magazine and Channel 4, and its singalong anthems, "Karma Police" and "No Surprises", became anthemic.
However, it was with the release of "Kid A" in 2000 that Radiohead truly pushed the boundaries of their sound, incorporating electronica influences and challenging their fan base. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, their fan base only continued to grow, with the largest demographic on streaming services today being 15 to 23-year-olds. This is a testament to the band's ability to evolve and attract new audiences while retaining their loyal fans.
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. In 2017, Radiohead's decision to play an open-air show in Tel Aviv sparked controversy and criticism from the Palestinian pressure movement, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). This controversy has followed the band, with activists forcing the cancellation of gigs and calling for a boycott of their recent tour.
Thom Yorke, the frontman, has been vocal about his conflicted feelings towards this situation. He feels the weight of expectations and criticisms, with people telling him what he should and shouldn't do, and how his life's work should be interpreted. He believes that this is an expression of powerlessness, a low-level witch hunt, and he finds himself on the receiving end of this scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, Radiohead is back and better than ever. Last summer, the band reunited for rehearsals in London, testing the waters for their upcoming tour. They started with the first track from "The Bends" and worked their way through their extensive discography. Their last gig was in Philadelphia in 2018, and since then, they've taken a seven-year break, during which time band members pursued solo projects and collaborated on various other ventures.
The upcoming tour, starting in Madrid on November 4, promises to be a celebration of Radiohead's unique sound and their anti-ego rock god status. The band will be performing in the round, in the middle of the arena floors, a setup they've only done once before. Each member will have their own dressing room, and Colin Greenwood plans to decorate his with AI-generated pictures of himself with world leaders.
As for new music, Jonny Greenwood admits they haven't thought past the tour. But with their ability to continuously evolve and challenge musical norms, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for Radiohead. For now, fans can look forward to an exciting tour and the possibility of new musical adventures ahead.
