The parking lot was packed with faithful Radiohead fans on the verge of passing out. The temperature was easily in the 90's standing, sitting or laying on the concrete outside Blossom Music Center in Cleveland, Ohio: gates not set to open for three hours. From off in the distance, a sound drifted through the all-too-still air. A few minutes later, not a single person refused to applaud Radiohead as they took the stage. Driving out to Blossom is a journey in itself: it is a long and twisted trek south of Cleveland to arrive at the wooden gates. It leaves one wondering about the planning of all this. The planning, however, is excellent. I have seen few venues, who have been so diligent in traffic management (we were gone and on the road in 15 minutes). The amphitheater is wooden, not metal, and produces a mellow sound that doesn't echo. The Beta Band walked out promptly at 7:30. An addition to the Eastern sweep of the tour, Kid Koala emerged onstage while the crews around him were setting up for Radiohead. He introduced himself politely to an interested audience, captivated by this unannounced addition to the bill. Radiohead walks out quickly, and in a sequel to their warm-up session, explodes into the show. The best is yet to come. Walking out for the encore alone, Thom seats himself at a piano, center stage and turns to the crowd periodically while playing. For sale in the tents was the usual plethora of merchandise. On the back of some hoodies, fans found the words & The boys from Britain are still as cryptic and withdrawn as ever, but it was fantastic to experience a show preformed with such honesty, such obvious enthusiasm. A Radiohead concert offers a brand of raw emotion hard to come by in other acts. Thom Yorke has the ability to transfer the sound to CD, but the absolute sense of energy he sends through a crowd through his violent fits of shaking and seductive, eyes-closed vocals is something only completely understood live.

Best of all, Radiohead seemed to have a great time. The entire band left the stage applauding the crowd almost as long as they themselves were applauded. Trust me- it was appreciated.

Mike McClelland

Kludge Sound
08.01