It was recently unveiled that the phenomenal band will be touring again this year, by headlining festivals like Lollapalooza and Primavera Sound. The SherpΒ only hopes and prays that Radiohead makes its way toΒ India soon.
As one of the very few relevant rock bands from the nineties, Radiohead basically made legends with their albums OK Computer and Kid A, successfully establishing themselves as the sole pioneers of experimental/alternative rock in the past two decades.Β Two weeks after the release of their third album OK Computer, which would later be recognized as the foundation of their distinct experimental style, Radiohead played a headlining set atΒ Glastonbury festival. This set marked a pivotal moment in their legacy as a band, and is remembered as one of the greatest Radiohead performances, ever. Radiohead has also inadvertently established themselves as coveted headliners, being one of the most defining bands through the nineties and beyond.
Their fanbase is awash with anticipation as the band announced their return to the stage this year, which will coincide with the release of their ninth studio album – said to come out soon. So far, the band is set to headline festivals such asΒ OpenAir St. GallenΒ – a Swiss music festival,Β Primavera Sound Music Festival,Β NOS Alive Festival, Japan’s Summer SonicΒ festival, SanΒ Franciscoβs Outside Lands,Β Montrealβs Osheaga Music Festival, and Chicago’s Lollapalooza, where the band last performed in 2008, delivering an unforgettable performance. With a bevy of exciting headlining sets to look forward to this year, along with the release of their ninth studio album, the anticipation is almost palpable.
Much like their incredible Glastonbury set, the band has many other extraordinary festival sets to their credit. One of these include their phenomenal Bonnaroo ’06 set, which is widely considered as one of the greatest festival performances in recent memory, when the band sampled songs such as βArpeggi (Weird Fishes)β and βVideotapeβ both of whichΒ would eventually end up on their albumΒ In Rainbows.Β The band hasn’t toured internationally since 2012, following the release of their last album,Β The King of Limbs. As thrilled as we are for the band’s return to the festival spotlight, we wonder when the UK veterans will make their way to India.
In the last year or two itself, India has come to be a hotbed for international talent, seeing acts such asΒ Alt-J, Mogwai, Flying Lotus, Mark Ronson, Explosions In The Sky, even Chris Martin with his secret impromptu gigΒ in Delhi, and more. And that’s excluding the many dance music artists that have come here. While we have yet to see the likes of someone as massive as Radiohead at Indian concerts and festivals, there is certainly a big-enough market for the band to tour here. So far, the band seems to be booked for festivals back-to-back from June through August, touring many of the North American festivals mentioned above.
Radiohead maybe-could-be-probably will not grace India with their presence this year, but The Sherp hasn’t abandoned all hope. India is a cauldron of consumers hungry for excellent music, and while we have some incredible homegrown musicians to fill the void, we expect to see some more great international talent in the country soon.
Read more: 25 International Artists We Would Love To See In India