Radiohead: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts About Radiohead You (Probably) Didn't Know!
Radiohead is one of the most innovative and influential bands of our time, constantly pushing the boundaries of rock, electronica, and experimental music. But behind their complex sound and enigmatic lyrics lie some surprising stories and quirky facts that even die-hard fans might not know. Here are 10 interesting tidbits about Radiohead that will give you a new appreciation for the legendary band!
1. They Used to Be Called “On a Friday”
Before they became Radiohead, the band went by the name On a Friday, a reference to the day they practiced after school. They eventually changed their name to Radiohead in 1991, inspired by the Talking Heads song “Radio Head” from their True Stories album.
2. Thom Yorke Has a "Lazy Eye"
Lead singer Thom Yorke was born with a paralyzed left eye, which required multiple surgeries during his childhood. This condition, called ptosis, gives him the distinctive drooping eyelid that fans have come to recognize. Yorke has said that the experience of being different as a child influenced his outlook on life and his music.
3. Their First Hit Was Almost a One-Hit Wonder
Radiohead’s breakout hit "Creep" nearly overshadowed the rest of their career. When the song blew up in the early '90s, the band feared they might be pigeonholed as a one-hit wonder. In fact, they initially refused to play "Creep" live for years, as they wanted to move beyond its success and explore new musical directions.
4. They Were All Classmates
The members of Radiohead—Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway—all met as teenagers while attending Abingdon School, an all-boys school in Oxfordshire. They’ve stayed close friends ever since, and this tight-knit dynamic has helped them weather decades of musical experimentation and success.
5. "OK Computer" Was Recorded in a Haunted Mansion
For their landmark 1997 album "OK Computer", Radiohead chose an unusual recording location: a haunted mansion. The band rented St. Catherine’s Court, a 15th-century manor owned by actress Jane Seymour. The isolated, eerie setting contributed to the album’s dark, otherworldly atmosphere. The band has even mentioned strange occurrences like objects moving on their own during the recording process.
6. Thom Yorke Hates "Creep"
Despite its success, Thom Yorke has often expressed disdain for "Creep". He once referred to it as “crap” and became irritated when it became the band’s defining track. Over time, though, Radiohead has warmed up to performing the song live, but it remains a bittersweet reminder of their early brush with mainstream success.
7. Jonny Greenwood Is a Film Composer Extraordinaire
Aside from his work with Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood has made a name for himself as a critically acclaimed film composer. He’s scored films for director Paul Thomas Anderson, including There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, and The Master. Greenwood’s mastery of orchestration and experimental sound design has earned him numerous awards and nominations.
8. "Kid A" Was Inspired by the Collapse of Civilization
Radiohead’s 2000 album "Kid A" marked a radical departure from their earlier guitar-driven sound. Its experimental electronic style was influenced by Yorke’s anxiety about the state of the world and the impending collapse of society. Yorke has described Kid A as a reaction to the growing unease he felt about global politics, environmental issues, and the rapid pace of technological change.
9. Their Music Videos Are Mini Works of Art
Radiohead has always been as visually creative as they are musically. The band’s music videos, such as the iconic "Just"video (where a man lies down on a sidewalk and refuses to explain why), are full of strange narratives and surreal imagery. They’ve worked with acclaimed directors like Michel Gondry and Paul Thomas Anderson to bring their music’s themes to life in unique and artistic ways.
10. They Pioneered Pay-What-You-Want Music Releases
In 2007, Radiohead revolutionized the music industry by releasing their album "In Rainbows" as a pay-what-you-want download. Fans could choose to pay any amount (or nothing at all) for the album, which was seen as a bold experiment in response to the changing digital music landscape. It’s credited with influencing the way artists think about releasing music in the streaming age.
Radiohead is known for their restless creativity and refusal to conform to industry expectations, but beneath the layers of complex music and artistic visuals lies a band that has remained deeply connected to their roots. From haunted mansions to innovative album releases, their journey has been anything but ordinary!
Choosing Radiohead's most meaningful song lyric is tough, as they have so many profound lines across their discography. However, one that resonates deeply with fans and encapsulates much of their existential, emotional, and political ethos comes from their song "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" from the album The Bends:
"This machine will, will not communicate / These thoughts and the strain I am under."
This lyric touches on themes of alienation, isolation, and the struggle to communicate inner emotions, reflecting Thom Yorke’s often poignant outlook on life and the human condition. Many fans see "Street Spirit" as one of the band’s most powerful and haunting songs, exploring the inevitability of suffering while also alluding to an acceptance of it.