Recommendations of the Editorial team
Radiohead have spoken out about their upcoming European tour and also explained why they had to take a nearly decade-long break.
Singer Thom Yorke also had to take time to mourn after his ex-partner and mother of his children died as a result of cancer in 2016. Bassist Ed O’Brien also struggled with depression and suggested that the chemistry between the musicians was no longer right during the “A Moon Shaped Pool” tour.
But what about the upcoming concerts? For the band’s upcoming tour, Yorke sent his bandmates a list of 65 potential songs for the setlist. “We’re all rehearsing like crazy right now,” said guitarist Jonny Greenwood in an interview with the British Times. “Then Thom will show up and say, let’s leave half of it out.”
Unlike some other recent reunion tours with rigid setlists, the band’s performances will vary from night to night. “We have too many songs,” Yorke said.
And what about the future? “I don’t know,” said Jonny Greenwood. “We haven’t thought beyond the tour yet.” Yorke added: “I’m just amazed we’ve come this far.”
Radiohead and the Gaza conflict
Part of the conversation also dealt with the boycott threats against their concerts – especially from “Free Palestine” activists. There are obviously different opinions on the issue of the Gaza conflict and Israel. Jonny Greenwood is married to an Israeli artist and therefore spends a lot of time in the region.
Drummer Philip Selway said: “What the boycott movement is asking of us is impossible. They want us to distance ourselves from Jonny, but that would mean the end of the band, and Jonny has a very principled stance. But it’s strange to be ostracized by artists who we generally feel quite attached to.”