Radiohead/ Asian Dub Foundation
Nottingham Arena
Nottingham
November 29, 2003

The Ice Arena was graced with an historical music event once again this week as one of music’s cult bands played to a crowd of thousands.

Radiohead, often written off as depressing were on Saturday night anything but that. Uplifting and unique was the mantra that fans cited as they left the gig.

'2+2=5' the opening track off their most recent music offering Hail to the Thief was also their opening tune. Within seconds the arena became an electrically charged hot bed of sound and light in a style that was unmistakably Radiohead.

The effect was mesmerising and utterly personal.

Following this, the set included some of their most enigmatic songs from albums Amnesiac and Kid A.

But it was 'Paranoid Android' from their late 90’s album OK Computer that ignited the crowd and set the soaring standard to the rest of the night.

At times the power of the music was so intense that you didn’t need to breathe - it was making your heart beat for you.

Unfortunately, the arena venue couldn’t do justice to the mind blowing stage show that mixed computer images timed to the electronic beats of their music. The whole experience felt suffocated.

But this didn’t stop Thom Yorke being his usual showman self. On stage he was in his own little world, dancing in the same disjointed fashion that he plays his music.

But disjointed is good and ‘Idioteque’ was a clear example how this signature style works.

Their ability to alter style and mood from piano accompanied to experimental distorted guitars is seamless. There were no cracks in Radiohead’s performance.

As one of many highlights of the show the crowd was treated to a rare rendition of ‘Street Spirit’ a fan’s favourite off their most acclaimed album The Bends.

Since this album the band have evolved beyond recognition. Some would say they have become a musical genre within their own right.

Those who attended Saturday’s sold out gig would be happy to agree with that.

The second encore signed off with the electrifying ‘Everything in the Right Places’ [sic], acknowledged Yorke as a musical magician.

He was rewarded with his audience on their feet happy to hail to the chief of cutting edge sounds.

Angela Bird

BBC Nottingham
02.12.03