How’s this for a strange supergroup? Radiohead’s Thom Yorke just announced that he has formed a new band to back him on solo concert dates. The new fivesome includes longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, Beck/Elliott Smith drummer Joey Waronker, Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Mauro Refosco, and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea.
Wait, what?! Dour avant-rock lord Thom Yorke is in a band with fun-loving funkateer Flea? Apparently so.
I have no idea how these five guys will sound together, but they each bring formidable chops and diverse backgrounds to the table. This could be very cool. Here’s hoping for some high-quality YouTube footage of the new band’s Oct. 4 and 5 shows in Los Angeles. (“we don’t really have a name and the set will not be very long cuz ..well …we haven’t got that much material yet!” Yorke joked in the blog post announcing the band’s creation.)
Oh, and in case you’re feeling paranoid: “Radiohead is definitely not breaking up,” their publicist tells EW. This much is fairly obvious given the band’s recent burst of activity — but, hey, it’s nice to be reassured.
What kind of music do you think Thom Yorke and Flea will make together? Radiohead fans, are you as excited as I am to hear this band? Weigh in below.
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Photo credit: Yorke: Joshua Prezant/Retna; Flea: Chris Ashford/Camera Press/Retna
Comments (1-8) of 8 Add your comment
I think you’re missing the real point here… this means that Thom Yorke will now begin wearing a sock over his nethers.
this is going to be horrible.
Given his past work with Spain, Idaho and the like, Waronker and Yorke should have a common musical wavelength. I have no idea what musical direction this group would take, but Flea might have to tone down his style a bit; what works with Chad Smith might not work with Joey W. And I’m not sure why we need a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, but I’ll wait and see before passing any judgements.
I am jealous of anyone who lives in the L.A. region and who got Tickets to the Show. This could be Epic!!!!
I’m intrigued by this, and obviously Thom needs something to keep him busy while Phil records his solo album and Radiohead are on break. Can’t wait to hear the bass on tracks like Black Swan and Feeling Pulled Apart by Horses…
+1 for Black Swan! I can’t wait for Monday.
MID LIFE CRISIS
Poor Thom ….
well, flea did stuff for mars volta too, which is a bit of a different style from rhcp, so i have no doubt that he’ll put out some awesome stuff with these guys.