Radiohead Reflects on Hiatus: 'The Wheels Came Off a Bit'

Back from the Abyss

Radiohead has long captivated the musical landscape with their innovative sound and profound lyrics. Their journey, however, isn't just about the music—it's a reflection of the human experience, fraught with its own trials and tribulations. Recently, Thom Yorke opened up about the band's decision to take an extended break following the tumultuous A Moon Shaped Pool tour. 'The wheels came off a bit,' he confessed, emphasizing that both music and mental well-being played crucial roles in their hiatus.

A Necessary Break

As Yorke articulated, there were countless factors contributing to this pause. 'It was like, let's halt now before we walk off this cliff,' he explained, capturing the precarious balance artists often navigate between creative output and personal health. The band's pivotal decision to step back for nearly eight years wasn't just about fatigue; it was a necessary detour through personal sorrows, particularly Yorke's unresolved grief over the loss of Rachel Owen, his longtime partner, who passed away from cancer.

'I hadn't really given myself time to grieve,' Yorke shared. 'That grief was coming out in ways that made me think, I need to take this away.'

Rediscovering Joy

The rest of the band echoed Yorke's sentiments. Guitarist Ed O'Brien admitted that by the tour's end, he felt 'effectively over Radiohead'—a candid reflection of the exhaustion that can emerge from relentless touring. 'It happens. This has been our whole life—what else is there?'

• Ed O'Brien: 'Look, success has a funny effect on people. I just didn't want to do it anymore.'
• Thom Yorke: 'Music can be a way to find meaning, but at my lowest point, everything literally hurt.'

Yorke's deepest struggles were exacerbated by the relentless nature of performance. The cathartic expression of music, which had once provided solace, often became a painful reminder of his loss. 'Even at my lowest point, I can't walk away from what I love—but it literally hurts, physically. The music hurts.'

What Lies Ahead

As they prepare for their upcoming European tour, which promises to showcase a unique setlist crafted from an expansive 65-song roster, Radiohead is embracing their emotional complexity. 'We have too many songs,' Yorke noted, signaling a shift towards a more fluid concert experience, a departure from previous tours' rigidness.

Complex Times

The conversation has taken a pivotal turn into the political realm as well, with discussions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict becoming personal for them. With Greenwood's connections to Israel, Yorke confronted the complexities of their platform and industry expectations. He shared, 'A few times recently I've had 'Free Palestine!' shouted at me on the street. But those shouting, they seem to have no understanding of the complexities we face.'

Yorke continued: 'The true criminals who should be in front of the ICC are laughing at us—while they just carry on with impunity, murdering people.'

As they approach their re-entry into the live music scene, Radiohead stands at a crossroad: one path leads towards continued exploration of their musical artistry, while the other navigates the murky waters of social responsibility and artistic integrity.

Fan Expectation

The excitement surrounding their return points towards an eager audience ready for both nostalgia and innovation. As Greenwood mentioned, the band members are currently refreshing their memories and skills to accommodate new interpretations of classic songs while remaining open to spontaneity in their performances. Meanwhile, they remain uncertain about what comes after the tour. 'I don't know,' Greenwood admits. 'We haven't thought past the tour.'

Thus, Radiohead promises not just a concert but an emotional journey, steeped in vulnerability and the sheer audacity to confront their past, all while evolving as artists in a complex world.

Join the Conversation

As avid fans and casual listeners await the band's return, the discourse continues about the intertwining of art and personal experience. This tour is not just about the setlists but about exploring the themes of loss, recovery, and the moral dilemmas artists face today—a relevant narrative that mirrors the society we live in.