A Long-Awaited Reunion
Imagine the collective sigh of relief that echoed through the O2 Arena last night. After a decade of anticipation, Radiohead returned to the UK stage, having not performed here since their last show nearly seven years ago. Fans filled the arena, an excited mix of nostalgia and curiosity in the air, eagerly waiting to see how their idols would reignite the spark that made them legends.
A Spellbinding Set List
As the lights dimmed, the energy surged. Thom Yorke took center stage, a magnetic force of nature, and kicked off with the ethereal “Planet Telex.” You couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, as if we were all transported back in time, reminiscing about the very first notes that captured our hearts. Following it up with a crunchy rendition of “2 + 2 = 5,” Yorke brought a fresh urgency to a song once born from political disillusionment.
The setlist read like a love letter to devoted fans, spanning their vast discography. Each song was enriched with memories and stories that only time could tell. One highlight was “Lucky,” and when it hit, the audience erupted, reverberating chants of “We are Radiohead. Pleased to meet you,” a rare yet charming breakdown from Yorke.
Rusty Charm and Well-Honed Skills
Admittedly, there were moments when the band showed signs of rust. Trouble with timing and tuning, especially evident in the unusual arrangements of some songs, pointed to the fact that this was no ordinary first gig - it was a reunion shrouded in the complexities of time away. Yet, when they hit their stride, it was pure magic.
“It was like a master class in musical collaboration,” said one fan post-show, reflecting on the unity displayed on stage.
The Enigmatic Nature of Radiohead
What's interesting is how Radiohead manages to evoke feelings of longing and elation all at once. The long gaps between performances have always left fans speculating about the band's future - where do the individual members stand artistically and personally? This concert felt like a bridge connecting their illustrious past to an uncertain future.
No matter how you slice it, Radiohead stands as a testament of resilience and artistic expression. Their musical journey has evolved, with members exploring various solo projects, particularly Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood's work in The Smile. Yet, their collective return reaffirms the charge that, when these five come together, they create an unmatched harmony.
Musical Innovations
Their craftsmanship was evident throughout the night, seamlessly shifting through genres and musical innovations. With Chris Vatalaro, a talented session musician from the U.S., adding fierce percussion elements, Radiohead's iconic sound evolved under fresh textures. Salient moments included the electrifying engagement of Yorke and Greenwood as they faced each other, both strumming a duel of guitars during “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.” This on-stage camaraderie underscored a healing process amongst band members, suggesting perhaps that everything was not only alright but also moving forward.
Accessible Yet Experimental
Certainly, Radiohead walked the line between accessibility and their experimental roots. Hits such as “Creep” and “Fake Plastic Trees” offered audiences a familiar embrace, while tracks like “Idioteque” reaffirmed their avant-garde approach. A comedic attempt by bassist Colin Greenwood to lead the crowd in clapping along to the intricate “15 Step” turned into a delightful spectacle—a sea of bobbing heads no doubt reflecting both awe and confusion.
A Night to Remember
As the night wound down, Yorke's musings on their past resonated deeply. He remarked on the band's early days, noting how they once thought they'd fade away after “Creep.” Yet, here they were, soundly dispelling those fears in front of a captivated audience. As the encore swept in, closing with the poignant “Karma Police,” the crowd's voices intertwined with Yorke's—a harmonious testament to the power of music and memory.
In Conclusion
While this might seem less like a formal return and more like a joyous reunion, the question remains: What's next for Radiohead? Their chemistry undeniably breathes life into every note played on stage, leaving fans with hopeful hearts—wondering if a more stable future is in sight. For now, let's relish this precious moment, forever engraved in our musical narrative.
Full setlist
- Planet Telex
- 2 + 2 = 5
- Sit Down, Stand Up
- Lucky
- Bloom
- 15 Step
- The Gloaming
- Kid A
- No Surprises
- Videotape
- Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
- Idioteque
- Everything in Its Right Place
- The National Anthem
- Daydreaming
- Jigsaw Falling Into Place
- Bodysnatchers
- There There
- Encore:
- Fake Plastic Trees
- Let Down
- Paranoid Android
- You and Whose Army?
- A Wolf at the Door
- Just
- Karma Police
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz32pz81vo
