Radiohead released three albums through the last decade that clearly set them apart from their contemporaries to lead the way in contemporary British rock music. Away from the fads and retrospections of Brit Pop and music business manufactured artist rivalries they have become a sustainable driving force that are touring after a lengthy break to promote material from their forthcoming album Kid A.

Following in the footsteps of Primal Scream they chose Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets to play to a sell out crowd a two-hour long set. On time, the purpose-built marquee lights go down as the stage lights beam out red and orange. Two new songs of hypnotic rock-tinged ambience get an instant reaction and the mood is set for an almighty cheer for the intro to ‘Karma Police’.

Barring ‘Creep’ the lengthy set list includes ‘Just’, ‘My Iron Lung’, ‘Fake Plastic Trees’, ‘Planet Telex’, ‘Fade Out’, ‘No Surprises’ and ‘Paranoid Android’ among other favourites from The Bends and OK Computer interspersed with new songs that give influence to introspective atmospheric effects, rhythmic beats and less emphasis on Led Zep and Jimi Hendrix rock out experiences.

The light show only enhanced what was truly a memorable performance. Three smallish screens hung high above our heads showing live on stage shots of the individual members who, to my surprise, were very relaxed and responsive to audience participation. Not what I had expected from les miserables infants!

The venue and the organisation – no queues for toilets or alcohol – was as good as the performance itself, something worth mentioning to all those who fail to look after their clientele! But not wanting to take up position half an hour before the lights dimmed, I was left stranded halfway between the stage and the Spud-U-Like van which left me wishing I could be witness to such a brilliant show of strength inside the confines of a dingy sweaty basement. Today I saw Radiohead, tomorrow I shall look forward to receiving the new album!

-Terry Lane

Freebase
25.09.00