It’s been six long years since Radiohead last performed together, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any news of a potential reunion.
However, the band’s members have been preoccupied with various side projects, casting doubt on when—if ever—they might return as a collective.
During a recent appearance at the Hay Festival Querétaro in Mexico, bassist Colin Greenwood offered fans hope, revealing that Radiohead reunited to rehearse some of their classic tracks.
“We did some rehearsals about two months ago in London, just to play the old songs,” Greenwood said during the Q&A session, as per NME.
“It was really fun, had a really good time.”
Despite the positive experience, Greenwood quickly tempered expectations by stating that the band had yet to make concrete plans for a tour or new music.
“We’re still talking all the time; we just need to make a plan and get some time together sorted out in advance,” he added, leaving the door open for future possibilities but providing no guarantees.
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Radiohead’s members are focusing on their individual projects. Greenwood himself is preparing for a busy few months ahead.
As per Consequence of Sound, he is set to tour with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, filling in for longtime bassist Martyn Casey.
Additionally, Greenwood is working on a photography book that will chronicle Radiohead’s transformative 14-year period between 2003 and 2016, during which the band produced albums such as Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows, and A Moon Shaped Pool.
Meanwhile, other Radiohead members are equally engrossed in their personal endeavours.
Frontman Thom Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who together formed the band The Smile in 2021, are gearing up for the release of their latest album, Cutouts, which is scheduled to drop on October 4th, 2024.
The Smile’s music has been a fresh creative outlet for both Yorke and Greenwood, allowing them to experiment with new sounds and ideas outside the traditional confines of Radiohead.
Their new album is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how the duo’s sound has evolved since their debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention.
Additionally, Yorke is preparing for a rare solo tour later this year, where he will perform material from his solo albums and Radiohead’s vast catalogue.
Known for his distinctive voice and experimental music, Yorke’s solo work has always stood apart from Radiohead’s discography, often venturing into electronic and ambient soundscapes.
His tour is expected to be a treat for fans of his more introspective and minimalist approach to music. Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien is also busy with his own solo career.
Following his debut solo album Earth in 2020, O’Brien is reportedly working on new material.
His first album saw him exploring a blend of rock, electronica, and psychedelic influences, earning him critical praise.
Per Pitchfork, O’Brien’s solo work has allowed him to carve out his niche, separate from his contributions to Radiohead’s iconic sound.
The only member who has been relatively quiet on the solo front is drummer Philip Selway, who has, in the past, dabbled in solo work but is focusing more on collaborative and film projects recently.
His last solo album, Strange Dance, released in 2023, showcased his growth as a songwriter with delicate and atmospheric compositions that starkly contrasted the powerful drumming style he is known for in Radiohead.
For fans, the news that Radiohead members got together for rehearsals may reignite hopes of a reunion tour or new album. Still, the reality is that there is no formal plan in place.
The band’s last release, A Moon Shaped Pool, came out in 2016, and since then, each member has been branching out into different artistic pursuits.
However, Greenwood’s comments suggest that the band is still in regular contact, and while they may not have concrete plans right now, the possibility of them coming together again is partially off the table.
