The cult of Radiohead

Thom Yorke, doing it live (Credit: Damon Winter)

At the close of the triumphant Gnarls Barkley show at the Hollywood Bowl this summer, Cee-Lo stopped to address the crowd before the last song of the night. Making a short speech about loving music, he announced that they’d be ending with a version of “Reckoner” from the latest Radiohead album, “In Rainbows.”

The huge, giddy roar that rose from the audience was more than just a seal of approval. As Gnarls Barkley dutifully reproduced the ethereal atmosphere of the song, the mood was more about recognition. For a majority of close to 17,000 people in the Hollywood Bowl at that moment, the mere word “Radiohead” means something more than just a band or even a brand. In 2008, love them or hate them, Radiohead are among the precious few bands left that genuinely matter.

Thom Yorke and company have joined the most rarified of icons forever seared on music culture’s conscious. Like a sonic Mt. Rushmore, you can add Radiohead to the black-light-elite poster pantheon alongside Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley—all acts that will adorn college dorm walls for generations to come.

It can be debated but not denied. The ripple effects of their groundbreaking, pay-what-you-want online release of “In Rainbows” are still being felt, discussed and dissected. But changing the game has been Radiohead’s M.O. ever since they first crashed American shores with “Creep” way back in 1992. From redefining the concept album with the terrifyingly realistic “OK Computer” to introducing Aphex Twin to the masses via “Kid A,” everything this band does challenges convention.

“In a world full of fear and ripe with insincerity it's such a relief to have met Radiohead,” the Liars raved on their blog after spending time on the road with Thom and the gang. “They are purveyors of truth, beauty and a moral responsibility to the planet. We're not sure if there's any information made public about the efforts Radiohead go to reduce their environmental impact, but there should be.” The post cites efforts like air freight bans, using trucks that run on bio-fuel and issuing reusable water bottles to the road crew.

But like most icons, Radiohead have their share of detractors and critics. Detroit blue-collar rocker Kid Rock disses them onstage regularly. He recently told IGN Music, “I’ve been poking fun at Radiohead for years because I just don’t get it. I don’t mind that people do, I just don’t.” Industry rant Bob Lefsetz loves taking shots at the band for a similarly perceived pretentiousness.

Through it all, Radiohead have become one of the most consistent touring acts in the world. They were so conspicuously absent at this year’s Coachella that Prince covered “Creep” during his marathon set. Underground artists like L.A. beat ninja Flying Lotus dream of working with them, and hip-hop luminary Q-Tip is excited just to work with their producer, Nigel Godrich. Like their spiritual godfathers Pink Floyd, Radiohead have become one of the most enduring bands of all time—strictly on their own terms.

See Radiohead when they play the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 24 and 25

Scott T. Sterling is Music editor for Metromix Los Angeles.