Radiohead/ Kid Koala/ Beta Band
Molson Park
Toronto
August 3, 2001

All hyperbole aside, making the trek to Molson Park to see Radiohead seemed very much like a pilgrimage. The long weekend began with gorgeous weather as thousands were flocking out of the city, many of them to see the aforementioned band. Lacking any real journalistic utensils, I made the trip with a handful of recipe cards and a pen, determined to capture the essence of the experience in true "No Logo" fashion. Upon deliberation with M&M (who was also enjoying the day’s festivities dressed in a lovely Wal-Mart vest) I decided to create a recipe for what was to be a sublime day of music and entertainment:

Makes three-course meal.
Take one hot, sunny day at Molson Park
Add 25,000 devoted fans (hippies, goths, purpose nerds, brit-pop fanatics, punks, SUV driving yuppies)
Mix well with a dozen beers from Molson VIP Tent
Let simmer in the sun for two hours
Take one very talented prog-rock band, preferably The Beta Band, filled with cheeky Scotsmen
Add early anticipation of the evening’s events
Drop in the unexpected forklift incident backstage for laughter amongst band members and dissatisfaction among the stage crew
Keep set short and add plenty of sweets
Stir with singing and dancing fans
Quickly throw in Kid Koala meat for texture
Gut with brilliant sample of theme music to Monty Python’s Holy Grail film
Scratch vinyl vigorously, creating appreciation in the audience
Toss in the beatz thoroughly and await applause
Mix for 17-minutes and then say a word of "thanks"
Throw in oven for 30-minutes and then add Radiohead
Begin with the strains of "National Anthem" and await audience hysteria
Commence sublime sunset overhead as set begins
Include pessimism, optimism, Kid A, OK Computer, Bends and Amnesiac in more than ample proportions
Induce delirium with ethereal light show and incomparable electronica
Take "Everything In Its Right Place" and progress the rhythm into a funky house beat, stunning the audience
Place stationary cameras around the stage and project the jagged and gray forms on giant bookend screens
Take Thom Yorke’s sloganeering concerning the global economy and environment with a grain of salt
Let ingredients settle then add three stunning encores
Capture lightening fuel and the energy of the masses, and fill the cool summer air with it

Although the souvenir stand cast a hypocritical glow upon the stage, I don’t love Radiohead for their politics. Musically they’re one of the finest bands performing today and their energy was infectious. Aside from being the voice to an over-marketed and cynical generation, Radiohead’s music seemed to inspire the audience; ideas and opinions were fervent all around the park before and after the show. Thom Yorke’s last words of encore number two resonated well after the show ended: "Where do we go from here?"

Andrew Cohen

ChartAttack
07.08.01