Radiohead

Radiohead
source
Name	Radiohead
Caption	The band performing in 2006.
Origin	Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England
Genre	Alternative rock, art rock, electronic, experimental rock
Years active	1985–present
Label	XL, Ticker Tape Ltd., Parlophone, Capitol
Website	radiohead.com
Current members	Thom Yorke Jonny Greenwood Colin Greenwood Ed O'Brien Philip Selway

Radiohead. They are an English rock band formed in Abingdon-on-Thames in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, brothers Jonny Greenwood and Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway. They have worked with producer Nigel Godrich and cover artist Stanley Donwood since the 1990s, creating a critically acclaimed and influential body of work.

History

The band formed while its members attended Abingdon School, an independent school for boys. After signing to EMI in 1991, they released their debut single "Creep" in 1992, which became a worldwide hit years later. Their early albums, Pablo Honey (1993) and The Bends (1995), were rooted in alternative rock and brought them fame in the United Kingdom. The 1997 album OK Computer propelled them to international fame, earning a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and widespread critical acclaim for its exploration of modernity and alienation. The subsequent albums Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked a dramatic shift towards electronic music, krautrock, and jazz, dividing listeners but later being hailed as masterpieces. Their later work, including In Rainbows (2007), noted for its innovative "pay-what-you-want" release, and A Moon Shaped Pool (2016), has continued to explore diverse sonic territories. The band has toured globally, including headline slots at Glastonbury Festival and Coachella.

Musical style and influences

Their music is noted for its eclectic experimentation and evolution. Early work was influenced by alternative rock acts like Pixies and R.E.M., while their later material incorporates elements of IDM, classical music, Krautrock, and modern classical composers like Krzysztof Penderecki. Jonny Greenwood's use of instruments like the Ondes Martenot and complex string arrangements became a hallmark. Lyrical themes, primarily written by Thom Yorke, often explore dystopia, social alienation, political discontent, and environmental anxiety. Key influences also include the Beatles, Can, Miles Davis, and Aphex Twin.

Discography

Their studio albums are: Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), Amnesiac (2001), Hail to the Thief (2003), In Rainbows (2007), The King of Limbs (2011), and A Moon Shaped Pool (2016). Several albums, notably OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows, have frequently appeared on lists of the greatest albums of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and NME. They have also released numerous EPs, compilations like OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017, and soundtrack work for films such as There Will Be Blood.

Cultural impact and legacy

They are widely regarded as one of the most innovative and important bands of their era. The release strategy for In Rainbows challenged the traditional music industry model and was widely analyzed. Their albums are frequently cited as touchstones in discussions of art rock and the album format in the digital age. The band has influenced a vast array of artists across genres, from Coldplay and Muse to Kanye West and Frank Ocean. They have been nominated for numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award nomination for Jonny Greenwood's work on There Will Be Blood. Their music and aesthetic have been the subject of extensive academic analysis and fan devotion.

Band members

* Thom Yorke – lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards, bass (1985–present) * Jonny Greenwood – lead guitar, keyboards, Ondes Martenot, other instruments (1985–present) * Colin Greenwood – bass guitar (1985–present) * Ed O'Brien – guitar, backing vocals, effects (1985–present) * Philip Selway – drums, percussion (1985–present)

Category:English alternative rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 1985