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| Colin Greenwood | |
|---|---|
| Name | Colin Greenwood |
| Birth name | Colin Charles Greenwood |
| Birth date | 1969 |
| Birth place | Oxford, England |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Associated acts | Radiohead, Mirrors, The Smile |
| Instruments | Bass guitar, double bass, keyboards |
Colin Greenwood Colin Charles Greenwood (born 26 June 1969) is an English musician best known as the bassist for the rock band Radiohead. He is noted for his melodic basslines, use of effects and alternate tunings, and long-term collaboration with bandmates including Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Philip Selway. Greenwood has contributed to albums produced by figures such as Nigel Godrich and worked within scenes connected to labels like Parlophone and XL Recordings.
Greenwood was born in Oxford and raised in Carshalton and attended Abingdon School, where he overlapped with future bandmates including Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. He studied English literature at University of Manchester (the university has notable alumni such as Morrissey and Alan Turing), later transferring to St Catherine's College, Oxford for postgraduate work, engaging with student music and art circles akin to scenes that produced acts like Supergrass and Blur. During his formative years he encountered British cultural institutions including performances at venues such as Oxford Playhouse and festivals like Reading Festival.
Greenwood joined the band that would become Radiohead in the mid-1980s, alongside Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien and Philip Selway. The group signed to Parlophone and released early singles and the debut album produced by industry figures connected to EMI and British alternative rock of the 1990s. Greenwood played on landmark albums including Pablo Honey, The Bends, OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows, The King of Limbs and A Moon Shaped Pool, collaborating with producers like John Leckie and Nigel Godrich. Greenwood's tenure includes high-profile performances at venues and events such as Glastonbury Festival, Coachella, Glastonbury Festival alumni circuits, and world tours involving promoters like Live Nation and festival circuits including Lollapalooza. Radiohead’s experiments with distribution, such as the pay-what-you-want release on Earth vs. the Artist-led distribution models, influenced broader music industry debates featuring entities like Warner Music Group and digital platforms pioneered by companies like Apple Inc..
Greenwood's bass technique incorporates melodic counterpoint, rhythmic syncopation and use of effects pedals and alternative tunings reminiscent of bassists from bands like Joy Division and New Order as well as innovators linked to The Beatles and The Who. He cites influences spanning British and international musicians affiliated with institutions such as BBC Radio 1 and labels like 4AD; comparisons are often made to players associated with Factory Records and the post-punk era including Peter Hook. Greenwood's approach aligns with production aesthetics promoted by Nigel Godrich and engineering traditions traceable to studios like Abbey Road Studios and Ridge Farm Studios. His use of double bass and bowed techniques links him to experimental practices found in ensembles affiliated with contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and outreach projects supported by arts organisations including the National Youth Orchestra.
Outside Radiohead, Greenwood has participated in side projects, session work and collaborations with artists and groups tied to labels such as XL Recordings and Domino Recording Company. He has performed with ensembles connected to Jonny Greenwood’s film score work and contributed to recordings involving musicians associated with Thom Yorke’s solo work and projects like Atoms for Peace. Greenwood has appeared at film festivals and concert series programmed by institutions like the British Film Institute and has collaborated with composers and producers who have worked on film scores with directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson and Darren Aronofsky. He has also played in benefit concerts alongside artists from scenes including Radiohead’s contemporaries R.E.M., U2, and Pearl Jam.
Greenwood resides in Oxfordshire and maintains connections with cultural circles in London and the United Kingdom’s music industry hubs, including frequent collaborations in studio environments like Abbey Road Studios. He is private about family life but is known to engage with arts charities and educational organizations similar to Help Musicians UK and arts programmes at institutions such as Royal College of Music. Greenwood has spoken at panels and symposiums alongside figures from the music business, universities like Oxford University and cultural institutions such as the British Council.
Greenwood has been part of Radiohead’s recognition at major award ceremonies and institutions including the Mercury Prize, the Grammy Awards, and listings in publications such as Rolling Stone and NME. Albums featuring his work have appeared on critics’ lists compiled by organizations like Pitchfork and broadcasters such as BBC Radio 6 Music. The band’s contributions to recorded music and live performance have been acknowledged by industry bodies including BRIT Awards and by cultural commentators linked to publications like The Guardian and The New York Times.
Category:English bass guitarists Category:Radiohead members