Radiohead surprised fans at their final London show this week by performing “Like Spinning Plates,” a song from their 2001 album Amnesiac. This marked the first time the band played the track in seven years, concluding their four-night run at the O2 arena with an unexpected highlight.
Key Takeaways
- Radiohead played "Like Spinning Plates" for the first time in seven years.
- The performance occurred at their final London O2 Arena show.
- This marked the song's debut on their current reunion tour.
- The band's reunion tour began in September after a seven-year hiatus.
A Rare Treat for London Fans
The decision to include "Like Spinning Plates" in the setlist for their London finale caught many attendees off guard. Fans had been speculating about potential rare tracks throughout the reunion tour, but this particular song had not been performed live since 2018.
The O2 Arena erupted with cheers as the distinctive opening notes filled the venue. Social media quickly buzzed with reactions, with many expressing their excitement and disbelief at witnessing the rare performance.
"wtf do you mean i just heard like spinning plates live??????" one attendee posted on X, reflecting the general sentiment of surprise and joy among the fan base.
Song Origins
"Like Spinning Plates" was originally built on a reversed backing track of an early recording of "I Will," a song that later appeared on their 2003 album Hail to the Thief. Frontman Thom Yorke discovered the reversed melody by chance.
The Genesis of a Unique Track
Thom Yorke once described the unusual creation process behind "Like Spinning Plates." He recounted hearing the vocal melody of an early "I Will" recording played in reverse. This unexpected sound inspired him to learn the backwards melody and develop it into the song fans know today.
This creative approach highlights Radiohead's experimental nature, a characteristic that has defined their sound over decades. The band has a history of exploring unconventional methods in their songwriting and production.
Tour Debuts and Fan Reactions
The London performance was not the only instance of Radiohead bringing out rarely played tracks during their current European tour. Earlier this month, the band performed "Kid A" and "Talk Show Host" for the first time since 2018 at a show in Bologna, Italy.
Other Amnesiac tracks, such as "You and Whose Army" and "Pyramid Song," have also made appearances on the current trek, pleasing long-time fans who appreciate the band's deeper catalog.
Radiohead's Reunion
Radiohead announced their reunion in September after a seven-year hiatus from live performances. Their last shows together were in 2018. The current European tour marks their return to the stage.
A Return to the Stage After Seven Years
The band's reunion was met with widespread anticipation. After months of speculation, the official announcement in September confirmed their first live performances since 2018. The European leg of the tour began with four nights in Madrid.
Following their Spanish dates, Radiohead played four evenings in Bologna, Italy, before heading to London for another four-show residency. Upcoming dates include performances in Copenhagen and Berlin in December.
Tour Schedule Highlights
- Four nights in Madrid
- Four nights in Bologna
- Four nights in London
- Upcoming shows in Copenhagen and Berlin
Drummer Philip Selway shared insights into the band's decision to reunite. He explained that getting together to rehearse felt natural after the long break.
"Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it," Philip Selway stated. "After a seven-year pause, it felt really good to play the songs again and reconnect with a musical identity that has become lodged deep inside all five of us. It also made us want to play some shows together, so we hope you can make it to one of the upcoming dates. For now, it will just be these ones but who knows where this will all lead."
This statement suggests the current tour may be a testing ground for future activities, leaving fans hopeful for more performances and perhaps new music down the line. The band's chemistry evidently remains strong, fueling their desire to perform together once more.
The reunion tour has been a significant event for music enthusiasts. It allows both long-standing fans and newer listeners to experience the band's iconic sound live. Each show brings the possibility of rare song inclusions, adding an element of surprise to every performance.
Radiohead's commitment to their unique artistic vision continues to resonate with audiences globally. Their willingness to explore their extensive back catalog, alongside their classic hits, ensures a dynamic and engaging live experience for all who attend.