RADIQHEAD

Martin Cooper checks out the sound of an era-defining band from Oxford, and guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.

Radiohead made a huge impact on music in the latter years of the 20th century and into the 21st. Along with bands like U2 and REM, they recorded some of the most classic songs in recent memory.

Formed in Oxfordshire, England in the mid 1980s by school friends Thom Yorke on lead vocals and guitar, Ed O’Brien and Jonny Greenwood also on guitar, Jonny’s brother Colin on bass, and drummer Philip Selway. They found solace and inspiration in their school years from music, and would rehearse on Fridays which led to the formation of the band called On A Friday.

Their musical influences are wide ranging, and include rock, jazz and avant garde film music. Yorke’s influences range from Queen to Siouxsie Sioux, while the Greenwood brothers grew up listening mostly to Classical music.