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Radiohead

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Band Timeline

1985

Formation of the band On a Friday (later Radiohead)

In 1985, the group formed at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, initially under the name On a Friday. The members were Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar), Colin Greenwood (bass), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Philip Selway (drums), and later Jonny Greenwood (guitar, keyboards). The band bonded over their shared interest in music, finding solace in the school's music department despite a strict school environment. The band’s early musical influences included jazz, film scores, postwar avant-garde, and classical music. Thom Yorke emerged as the primary songwriter in this formative period.
1991

Signing to EMI Records and transition to the name Radiohead

In 1991, the band signed their first major record deal with EMI Records and changed their name from On a Friday to Radiohead, inspired by a Talking Heads song. This record deal marked the beginning of their professional music career. The members began to hone their sound, moving from local performances to professional recordings, aiming to make an impact in the alternative rock scene that was gaining popularity at the time.
1993

Release of debut album 'Pablo Honey' and breakthrough with 'Creep'

Radiohead released their debut album, 'Pablo Honey', in 1993. The album introduced their early alternative rock sound to a wider audience. Its lead single, 'Creep', became a worldwide hit and an anthem for disaffected youth, catapulting Radiohead to international recognition. Although 'Creep' was initially their standout track, it also cast a shadow that the band would later work to move beyond, as they sought to evolve their sound and identity.
1995

Critical growth with the release of 'The Bends'

Radiohead's second album, 'The Bends', was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim. The album showcased a more mature and refined sound, with greater emphasis on complex songwriting and emotional depth. It helped establish Radiohead as a significant force in the alternative rock genre. Tracks like 'Fake Plastic Trees' and 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)' demonstrated their growing artistic ambitions and laid the foundation for their experimental future work.
1997

Breakthrough and acclaim with 'OK Computer'

In 1997, Radiohead released 'OK Computer', an album widely regarded as a landmark in popular music. This album saw the band expanding their musical palette with complex production and exploring themes of modern alienation, technology, and consumerism. It was a major commercial and critical success, cementing Radiohead's reputation as innovative pioneers. Singles like 'Paranoid Android', 'Karma Police', and 'No Surprises' became iconic, and 'OK Computer' is frequently cited among the greatest albums of all time.
2000

Stylistic shift with 'Kid A'

Radiohead’s fourth album, 'Kid A', released in 2000, marked a dramatic change in their musical direction. Moving away from guitar-driven rock, the band incorporated electronic music, jazz, classical elements, and krautrock. This stylistic shift was initially divisive among fans and critics but was later recognized as a pioneering work of the decade. 'Kid A' challenged popular music conventions and expanded the boundaries of alternative rock, influencing many artists and genres thereafter.
2001

Release of 'Amnesiac' and continuation of experimental sound

In 2001, Radiohead released 'Amnesiac', recorded during the same sessions as 'Kid A'. The album continued exploring experimental and electronic elements with an atmospheric and abstract style. 'Amnesiac' further solidified the band's creative evolution and willingness to push musical boundaries. Tracks like 'Pyramid Song' demonstrated their blending of complex rhythms and melancholic melodies, reinforcing Radiohead’s status as one of the most innovative bands of their era.
2003

'Hail to the Thief' and blending rock with electronic music

Radiohead's fifth album with EMI, 'Hail to the Thief', released in 2003, mixed rock and electronic music while addressing contemporary political themes, including the war on terror. This album saw the band respond to global events with urgency and introspection, pairing their characteristic experimental style with socially conscious lyrics. 'There There' was among the notable singles, receiving acclaim for its hybrid sound and thematic weight.
2007

Independent release of 'In Rainbows' and innovative pay-what-you-want model

In 2007, Radiohead took an unprecedented step by self-releasing their seventh album, 'In Rainbows', as a digital download using a pay-what-you-want pricing model. This move challenged traditional music industry practices and sparked widespread discussion about music distribution. The album was a critical and commercial success, praised for its warmth, melody, and emotional depth. The innovative release strategy highlighted Radiohead's interest in exploring new ways of connecting with their audience and maintaining artistic control.
2011

Exploration of rhythm with 'The King of Limbs'

Radiohead released 'The King of Limbs' in 2011, an album characterized by a focus on rhythm, looping, and sampling. This record explored more minimalistic and electronic textures, with complex beats and atmospheric soundscapes. The album reflected Radiohead’s continued evolution and experimentation with sound. It received mixed reactions initially but has been appreciated for its intricate production and subtle innovation over time.
2016

Orchestral arrangement prominence in 'A Moon Shaped Pool'

The 2016 album 'A Moon Shaped Pool' prominently featured orchestral arrangements by Jonny Greenwood, adding a lush, textural depth to Radiohead’s music. The album combined elements of their earlier styles with a mature, emotional resonance and intricate instrumentations. It reflected themes of love, loss, and politics within a refined artistic framework. The album was critically acclaimed and showcased the band’s ability to continually reinvent themselves while maintaining emotional intensity.
2019

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019, Radiohead was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant impact on music and culture over three decades. This honor celebrated their innovation, artistic achievements, and influence on alternative rock and beyond. The induction solidified Radiohead's status as one of the most important and enduring bands in modern music history.

Albums

radiohead_1st_album
Pablo Honey
12 tracks
1993
radiohead_2nd_album
The Bends
12 tracks
1995
radiohead_3rd_album
OK Computer
12 tracks
1997
radiohead_4th_album
Kid A
5 tracks
2000
radiohead_5th_album
Amnesiac
11 tracks
2001
radiohead_6th_album
Hail to the Thief
14 tracks
2003
radiohead_7th_album
In Rainbows
10 tracks
2007
radiohead_8th_album
The King of Limbs
8 tracks
2011
radiohead_9th_album
A Moon Shaped Pool
11 tracks
2016
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Colin Greenwood

N/A

Electric bass guitar

Philip Selway

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Colin Greenwood

N/A

Sampler

Jonny Greenwood

N/A

Electric guitar

Thom Yorke

N/A

Acoustic guitar

Thom Yorke

N/A

Electric guitar

Thom Yorke

N/A

Synthesizer

Jonny Greenwood

N/A

Glockenspiel

Ed O’Brien

N/A

Effects

Thom Yorke

N/A

Piano

Jonny Greenwood

N/A

Ondes Martenot

Ed O’Brien

N/A

Electric guitar

Philip Selway

N/A

Percussion

Ed O’Brien

N/A

Background vocals

Jonny Greenwood

N/A

Analog synthesizer

Thom Yorke

N/A

Lead vocals

Colin Greenwood

N/A

String synthesizer

Jonny Greenwood

N/A

Toy piano

Colin Greenwood

N/A

Double bass

Story of Radiohead

Radiohead: A Sonic Revolution

Hailing from the quaint English town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Radiohead emerged in 1985, forever altering the landscape of alternative rock. This sonic force is comprised of the enigmatic Thom Yorke (vocals, guitars, keyboards), the multi-talented Greenwood brothers, Jonny (guitars, keyboards, and a myriad of instruments) and Colin (bass), the melodic Ed O’Brien (guitars, backing vocals), and the steady rhythm section of Philip Selway (drums, percussion).

Since 1994, they’ve collaborated with the visionary producer Nigel Godrich and the enigmatic cover artist Stanley Donwood, creating a signature sound that pushes boundaries and inspires awe. Their relentless experimentation has propelled alternative rock into uncharted territory, challenging conventions and captivating audiences worldwide.

Signed to EMI in 1991, Radiohead unleashed their debut album, Pablo Honey, in 1993. The album’s breakout single, “Creep,” became a global anthem, propelling them into the spotlight. Their critical acclaim grew further with The Bends in 1995, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

Then came OK Computer (1997), a landmark album that remains a titan of modern music. This masterpiece, with its complex production and themes of alienation in the digital age, is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Radiohead continued to defy expectations with Kid A (2000), a radical departure that blended electronic music, jazz, classical, and krautrock influences. While polarizing listeners upon release, it was later hailed as the best album of the decade by numerous publications. The follow-up, Amnesiac (2001), was recorded during the same sessions, showcasing their unwavering creative spirit.

Radiohead’s legacy extends far beyond individual albums. They are a band that has constantly evolved, challenged, and inspired generations of artists and listeners. They are a sonic revolution, a testament to the power of artistic vision and the enduring influence of music that resonates on a deeper level.

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