Radiohead's 1997 track 'Let Down' has unexpectedly re-entered the music charts, nearly three decades after its initial release. The song, from their seminal album 'OK Computer,' recently gained significant traction on TikTok, propelling it onto the Billboard Hot 100 in August. Band members Thom Yorke and Ed O'Brien have shared their surprise and reflections on this sudden resurgence.
Key Takeaways
- 'Let Down' became Radiohead's fourth US hit, 28 years after its release.
- The song's resurgence is attributed to its viral popularity on TikTok.
- Thom Yorke initially resisted including 'Let Down' on 'OK Computer.'
- Ed O'Brien considers the track the 'emotional heart' of the album.
- The band is preparing for their first live shows in over seven years, featuring a whittled-down setlist of 65 songs.
Unexpected Chart Return for a Classic Track
The track 'Let Down' initially appeared on Radiohead’s critically acclaimed 1997 album, 'OK Computer.' It was released as a promotional single that same year, spending seven weeks on the UK singles chart and peaking at Number 85. Its recent entry into the Billboard Hot 100 marks a notable moment for the band, making it their fourth song to chart in the US.
This unexpected success follows a pattern for Radiohead. Their track 'Creep' reached Number 34 in 1993, remaining their most successful US single. 'High And Dry' charted at Number 78 in 1995, and 'Nude' from 'In Rainbows' hit Number 37 in 2008. The TikTok-driven popularity of 'Let Down' highlights the platform's power in reintroducing older music to new audiences.
Did You Know?
- 'Let Down' is Radiohead's fourth song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song was released as a promotional single in 1997.
- It spent seven weeks on the UK singles chart upon its original release.
Band Members React to Viral Success
Thom Yorke, Radiohead's frontman, expressed his astonishment at 'Let Down' finding new life on TikTok. He revealed to The Sunday Times that he had initially fought against the song's inclusion on 'OK Computer.'
"I find that especially bizarre. Because I fought tooth and nail for it not to be on the record, but Ed O’Brien was, like, ‘If it’s not, I’m leaving,’” Yorke stated.
Guitarist Ed O'Brien, who championed the song's inclusion, now calls it the "emotional heart" of 'OK Computer.' Despite his belief in the track, he was also surprised by its TikTok fame. He shared a conversation with his children about the phenomenon.
"Still, I was astonished. So I told my kids, who are 18 and 21, and they said, ‘What do you expect? Teenagers are depressed. It’s depressing music!’” O'Brien recounted.
Drummer Philip Selway also noted the cross-generational appeal of the band's music. He described an instance of schoolboys playing 'Everything In Its Right Place' from 'Kid A' on a piano at a train station, demonstrating how their work continues to resonate across different age groups.
Upcoming Tour and Setlist Preparations
Radiohead is set to return to the stage for their first live performances in over seven years. The band has announced four-night residencies in several European cities, including Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin. These shows are scheduled to take place between November 4 and December 12, with tickets selling out rapidly.
For these highly anticipated concerts, the band plans to play in the round, offering a unique experience for attendees. They have also been meticulously preparing their setlist, narrowing down their extensive back catalogue to approximately 65 tracks.
Jonny Greenwood confirmed they are "all frantically learning" the selected songs, indicating a thorough preparation process for their return to live performing.
Tour Details
Radiohead's upcoming European tour marks their first live shows in over seven years. The residencies are scheduled for November and December, with all tickets quickly selling out. Fans can expect a curated selection of songs from their vast discography, performed in a special 'in the round' stage setup.
Discussions on Political Stance and Future Material
Beyond their musical activities, Radiohead members have also addressed their stance on political issues, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine. This topic has been a point of contention for the band in the past.
In 2017, Radiohead faced criticism for playing a show in Tel Aviv, Israel, despite calls for a boycott from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and other artists. Thom Yorke later clashed with a protester during a solo show in Melbourne, issuing a statement explaining his position.
Yorke has now stated he will "absolutely not" return to Israel, expressing a strong desire to avoid any association with the current Israeli government. "I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime,” he said.
Jonny Greenwood, however, holds a different perspective. He has faced criticism for collaborating with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa, with two UK gigs cancelled earlier this year due to protests. Greenwood, who is married to an Israeli artist, also performed with Tassa in Tel Aviv last year.
"I would also politely disagree with Thom. I would argue that the government is more likely to use a boycott and say, ‘Everyone hates us – we should do exactly what we want.’ Which is far more dangerous,” Greenwood commented on the issue. He added, "The only thing that I’m ashamed of is that I’ve dragged Thom and the others into this mess – but I’m not ashamed of working with Arab and Jewish musicians. I can’t apologise for that.”
The band has also hinted at the possibility of new material following their upcoming tour dates, keeping fans hopeful for future releases.
Radiohead's Political Stance
- Thom Yorke has stated he will not return to Israel.
- Jonny Greenwood has collaborated with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa.
- Greenwood believes boycotts can be counterproductive.
The Enduring Appeal of Radiohead's Music
The unexpected viral success of 'Let Down' underscores the enduring appeal of Radiohead's music. Their ability to connect with new generations, nearly three decades after their initial breakthrough, speaks to the timeless quality of their songwriting and thematic depth.
From chart-topping hits to deep album cuts, Radiohead's discography continues to be discovered and appreciated, proving that impactful music transcends time and evolving media platforms. As they prepare for their return to the stage, the band remains a significant force in the global music landscape, capable of both surprising chart comebacks and thoughtful engagement with complex world issues.