Radiohead, an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985, is renowned for its experimental approach to music, blending rock with electronic and other genres. The band consists of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards), Colin Greenwood (bass), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), and Philip Selway (drums). Their thought-provoking lyrics, innovative music videos, and live performances have earned them a significant place in modern music history.
1985-1991 Formation and Early Years
The band members met at Abingdon School.
Initially named "On a Friday," they changed their name to Radiohead, inspired by a Talking Heads song.
1992-1995 Debut and Rise to Fame
Released their debut single, "Creep," in 1992, which became an international hit.
Their first album, "Pablo Honey," was released in 1993.
Followed up with "The Bends" in 1995, receiving critical acclaim and establishing their reputation.
1997-2000 Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim
"OK Computer" (1997) propelled them to global stardom with hits like "Paranoid Android" and "Karma Police."
Won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
2000-2003 Experimental Phase
Released "Kid A" (2000) and "Amnesiac" (2001), embracing electronic music and receiving widespread acclaim.
"Hail to the Thief" (2003) combined electronic elements with rock.
2004-2007 Hiatus and Side Projects
Band members pursued solo projects.
Worked on new material sporadically.
2007-Present Continued Innovation
Released "In Rainbows" (2007) as a pay-what-you-want download, a groundbreaking move in the music industry.
Followed by "The King of Limbs" (2011), "A Moon Shaped Pool" (2016), and various reissues and special editions.
Thom Yorke Lead vocals, guitar, piano.
Jonny Greenwood: Lead guitar, keyboards.
Colin Greenwood Bass guitar.
Ed O'Brien Guitar, backing vocals.
Philip Selway Drums, percussion.
Best Alternative Music Album
"OK Computer" (1998)
"Kid A" (2001)
"In Rainbows" (2009)
Best Recording Package
"Amnesiac" (2002)
Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package
"In Rainbows" (2009)
1. "Creep" (1992) – The song that launched their career, known for its raw emotion and iconic chorus.
2. "Karma Police" (1997) – A standout track from "OK Computer," blending haunting lyrics with melodic instrumentation.
3. "Paranoid Android" (1997) – A complex, multi-part epic also from "OK Computer," showcasing the band's musical ambition.
Thom Yorke on Music
I think the most important thing about music is the sense of escape
Jonny Greenwood on Creativity
The reason I play music is not for the acclaim but because I need to
Radiohead has often clashed with their record label over creative control and distribution methods.
Thom Yorke's outspoken views on politics and climate change have sometimes sparked debate.
Radiohead was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
"In Rainbows" was one of the first major albums to be released as a pay-what-you-want download.
Radiohead continues to be a major influence in the music industry, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms with each new release. Their legacy is marked by innovation, introspection, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.