Radiohead
South Park
Oxford
July 7, 2001

Radiohead came off stage following their first hometown gig since 1996, playing in front of 40,000 ecstatic fans in Oxford's South Park. The local boys made good began their gig at a soggy South Park with the customary opener, "National Anthem", followed by a false-starting "Airbag", prompting Thom Yorke to quip, 'Oh bugger!' in the style of The Fast Show's Unlucky Alf.

"Packt Like Sardines", "My Iron Lung" and a rapturously received "No Surprises" are among a similar set the band have been playing for the past year or so, although it has rapidly turned into a greatest hits show itself.

Despite that, model Kate Moss and actor Robert Carlyle were among those to witness Thom Yorke dedicate "No Surprises" to Prime Minister Tony Blair - although the VIPs were in an area cordoned off for 2,000 people at the front of the stage. 'This one's for that blonde Spice Girl, what's her name? Oh, Geri,' began Thom, before explaining to a very amused crowd, 'She was on the same train as me back from Paris!' This was greeted with a large 'Oooooh!' from the 40,000 assembled, before the punchline, 'This is "Paranoid Android"!'

After a four-song encore Thom asked, 'Shall we play another song then?' The crowd went mad at the intro to "Talk Show Host", which was followed by, 'Quick, quick, quick! Next one!' from Thom, before the band finished the second encore with an incredible version of "The Bends", leaving the stage with a 'Thank you very, very much!'

'This is to send you home with bluebirds flying in your hair!' introduced a failed "Motion Picture Soundtrack". Cue another, 'Bugger! 'Tis kaput, ja?' as the keyboard crackled and died. So they opted for a 'slightly older song' and launched into a very rare outing for "Creep". And there were screams, tears, swaying and tumultuous singing along.'Good night!' and 'Thank you very much!' were the shouts from the stage as Radiohead finally left. They are the understatements of the year. More later!

Worldpop
09.07.01