Radiohead is an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985, consisting of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar), Jonny Greenwood (guitar, keyboards), Ed O’Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass), and Philip Selway (drums). Known for their innovative sound and genre-defying music, they are considered one of the most influential bands in modern music. They rose to fame with their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993), featuring the hit single “Creep,” which became an anthem for disaffected youth. Their second album, The Bends (1995), marked a significant artistic leap with more complex songwriting and tracks like “Fake Plastic Trees” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out).” Radiohead’s groundbreaking third album, OK Computer (1997), is often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time for its exploration of technology, alienation, and modern life, with songs like “Paranoid Android” and “Karma Police.” With Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001), Radiohead ventured into experimental and electronic music, challenging traditional rock norms and earning critical acclaim for their bold reinvention. Subsequent albums like Hail to the Thief (2003), In Rainbows (2007), The King of Limbs (2011), and A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) showcased their continued evolution, blending elements of rock, electronic, and classical music. Radiohead is also known for their innovative business practices, including the pay-what-you-want release of In Rainbows, which challenged the music industry’s traditional models. Their music often addresses themes of alienation, political unrest, and existential despair, earning them a reputation for both artistic depth and emotional resonance. Throughout their career, they have won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Radiohead’s influence spans genres and generations, inspiring countless artists with their creativity, ambition, and willingness to push boundaries, cementing their legacy as one of the most important bands in music history.
