PASSERBY:
Submitted on: JUNE 25, 2008 16:10:55


Beautiful summer evening - still sounded great in the portaloo which is always the acid test. To yesterday's reviewer Rob who said 2+2=5, Iron Lung and Paranoid Android would have done it, seems like the band took note - they played all these and more and it was an amazing set. Still think, though, that in essence the complexity of their music is more suited to (intimate) indoor venues. Respect :]

NICOL:
Submitted on: JUNE 25, 2008 16:46:32


Almost didn't go tonight as the previous night was impressive but hadn't knocked me out.

And we expect such high standards from radiohead.

Glad I went tonight though - this was my 9th radiohead gig and one of the best.

Gorgeous weather, good crowd (except for the people chatting during Nude and Faust Arp) and a top, top set from the band.

Highlights were: Jigsaw, EIIRP, Reckoner, The Bends, Optimistic, Idioteque, Go Slowly and Weird Fishes.

Actually fuck it, the whole set rocked.

If I have one casual criticism of radiohead (and I generally don't) it is that they have such a broad canvas of sounds and textures that sometimes they get the blend a bit wrong. Personally I don't care for Bodysnatchers that much, but this is just me.

Someone once said that writing about music is like dancing about architecture - i.e. self expression is self expression; artforms are all forms of art - no matter how reflexive they might be.

Loved tonight. Look forward to see the band for the 10th time sometime.

Thanks for the show fellas

N xxxxxxxxx

AJ:
Submitted on: JUNE 25, 2008 16:54:44


best gig i've ever been to, made me realise how amazing in rainbows is- every song's a hit. better night of the two, only regret is no how to disappear.. other than that though, perfect- and paranoid android at the end was just unbelievable

KAT:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 02:13:14


Great Concert, Great Venue, Great weather!

Highlights were 15 Step, The Bends and My Iron Lung - A personal favourite!

Nude and Videotape were hauntingly brilliant and a suprising appearence of No surprises also went down a treat!

The only downside was the few fans who insist on creating a mosh pit when the music becomes that little bit more heavy...It seems to be the younger crowd i.e 18 and below who seem to do this....I wish that Thom had intervened as he did in Edinburgh in 2006....

ADAM:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 02:30:12


A truly wonderful night. Perfect weather, superb balance between the In Rainbows and other more recent tracks (which, in contrast to some older material, came across very well indeed).

The crowd was really up for it and I didn't get a sense of frustration at all. But then we were treated to Lucky, Iron Lung, No Surprises, Karma Police and Paranoid Android so no danger of a lack of sing-alongs.

The encores were magnificent; Go Slowly, 2+2 and Paranoid Android to finish off was out of this world.

Perfect.

RH VET:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 02:36:27


Perfect weather. I have o admit that I was worried through the first few songs as the sound was not really that great. 'There There' was tragic from an acoustics standpoint.

Something must have been fixed as from 'Lucky' on, the show was a stormer! Best setlist in all the shows that I have been over the years (over 10). The encores were amazing as it got dark and the lighting took over.

BIG T:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 03:17:06


Reading the reviews from yesterday sums it up for me. The band were fantastic, when are they not? But the trouble with success is that you've got thousands of people who like a bit of Razorlight and love Amy Winehouse and liked Radiohead before they went, y'know a bit wierd...
I felt yesterday like I was standing in a huge field with 40,000 people who'd paid 40 odd quid to have a chat, which ruined it all really. One silly mare was trying to get some kind of vocal petition together of 'We wan't creep', only shit bands with no confidence in their own talent rely on greatest hits tours.
I've seen the Head all over the place and yes, I agree a huge park doesn't do them justice but I'm glad the band stuck to their guns and didn't play to the casual observers with all the Creep, Green Plastic Whatever bollocks, go and see a tribute act if that's what you want.
I over heard this on the way out..'I hadn't really heard of Radiohead before but a couple of their songs was alright.'
Next time I'll go back and see them in a sports hall in Aberdeen or somewhere, at least everyone there really want to be there.

COLUDOMMO:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 03:39:23


I think i may have been in the wrong frame of mind having to sell my spare for £20 and having just watched England lose the cricket, but the plain truth is I must be getting to old for this Band !
Don't get me wrong, musically, they are brilliant but Thom needs to realise that playing these introspective album tracks for just about the whole gig does not get the blood pulsing.
I won't deny that as a 40 something OK/Bends fanatic that I may be missing the point, but old fashioned as i may be, I like to see the crowd going wild at concerts and this only happened in the encores to...The Bends and .........Paranoid Android. Coincidence ? Me thinks not. Ok, time for bed now, where's my cocoa ?

BRUCE:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 03:48:35


Pretty much a perfect gig. Brilliant crowd, lovely surroundings, crisp sound, an inventive lightshow over a summer sunset and Radiohead at the top of their game.

Overheard a few people who'd also seen the previous night's gig saying that this one kicked off in grander style. Might have liked to have seen Pyramid Song and Airbag (from the previous night's set) - but I'm not going to complain after the set they played!

PAUL:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 03:57:02


Perfect set for perfect evening. (must resist urge to break into last lines of videotape :P)

The crowd were better than Tuesday as was Radiohead's (especially Thom's) interaction. I was thrilled with Myxamatosis, Lucky and The Bends being played and it was just so surreal during the massive sing along during Karma Police and everyone (well, everyone near to the front at least) reaching out as though the band were the destination of a great pilgrimage during the 'hymn' section of Paranoid Android.

Over the 2 nights I heard everything I wanted to hear so I feel very fortunate that I was able to go both nights but if I were forced to choose I think I enjoyed the second night better - it was like an early Christmas.

So much to rub in peoples faces!!!

SAM:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 04:17:21


Yet another fantastic gig!

Was fortunate enough to attend both nights in Victoria Park and unlike most other bands the way Radiohead mix up the sets always means it's worth taking in as many shows as possible on each tour. By my reckoning there were at least 10 songs played last night that didn't feature in Tuesday's set.

A delightful Summer's evening which unfortunately meant that it stayed light until very late and it was really only during the last half a dozen or so songs that the full light show could be truly appreciated. The joys of a 10.30pm noise curfew!

Once again, really enjoyed Videotape, although Arpeggi will firmly establish itself as a 'classic' live number I'm sure. Finishing off with 2+2=5 and Paranoid Android meant a real lively finish, and a little crowd singalong post Karma Police always leaves a smile on my face :-)

Er, anyone got a spare ticket for Glasgow or Manchester?

MARCUS:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 04:30:51


Agree that Radiohead are better suited to more intimate venues. Somewhere with a modicum of atmosphere would be an improvement on what I experienced last night. Band were miles away, the sound was rubbish. It was a nice night, but I don't think the boys have any influence over the weather so they can't take any credit for that. Seems to me that they were simply going through the motions, especially with the older numbers. Comfortably my least enjoyable Radiohead experience - I'm a huge fan but at one point towards the end of the main set I found I'd turned my back on the stage and was just chatting to the people I was with. I'd have been better off getting together with a group of mates and putting on a few records at home.

Disappointed.

KILLTHEDRAMA:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 04:35:15


The evening was warm with a gentle breeze, the wall of sound was immense and exacting, but I have to disagree with all previous reviewers feelings about the intimacy of the venue.

As they glided into Nude, All I Need or Videotape I felt a level of connection to the music that has completely eluded me when listening to the album. I really listened to the lyrics and the layers of sound, and although I knew many of these songs, it really felt that for the first time I was ‘listening’ or maybe experiencing them properly.

Whilst an indoor gig might be more intimate (in the literal sense of the word) there is something about an outdoor gig, with the wind in the trees, birds and planes flying overhead, and thousands of other people, that just makes me feel so connected to something bigger than the superficial existence this world seems to foist upon us.

When everyone was singing the end to Paranoid Android (“rain down…”) the sense of a social, shared experience or collective subconscious… whatever it is, was amazing, humbling but most importantly empowering.

SAM:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 04:57:00


the gig was amazing, the set was just perfect, couldnt ask for anything more.In Rainbows sounds so musch better live.

LAUREN:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 05:19:13


Surely the perfect setlist?
Last night was mindblowing.
The weather was perfect, and the band were on top form.
Couldn't have asked for anymore.

MARK:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 05:58:08


A perfect evening weather-wise and music-wise, my first Radiohead gig was an absolutely incredible one. The slight breeze and planes overhead didn't disturb anything whatsoever, and it was nice to see that Thom and the gang didn't appear angry at any in the crowd tonight- they were cool, relaxed and, as usual, Thom was funny. As was Jonny actually- anyone see when one of the crew was fiddling with his 'There There' drums and he smashed the sticks down on them, nearly smashing the crew member's hands? I laughed, anyway. Set-list was mega, awesome to see 'Myxomatosis' and 'Optimistic' there, and seeing 'Karma Police', 'Paranoid Android' and '2+2=5' was simply breath-taking. Admittedly, I waited a couple of minute just to see if they were in good enough mood to do 'Creep' as a 3rd encore, but it didn't matter, because they'd already given the crowd a magical showing.

Oh and Bat For Lashes- brilliant. Natasha is a beautiful songwriter in my opinion, and her new band live is awesome.

THE HARE:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 08:07:26


What a great gig by the marvelous Radiohead. They always seem to play the songs I want to hear, good set especially the new stuff mixed in with old favourites, glad they played Karma Police, and to finish with Paranoid Android. Its a shame that the bloke in front of me kept wacking me with his hood!

BEGILY:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 08:56:46


This was my first experience seeing Radiohead live, and it was amazing! When the lights moved in the wind during "house of cards", that was so fu**ing cool. Highlights were "there there" "my iron lung" "Karma police" ( when the crowd started singing " for a minute there I lost myself, I lost myself"), every "in rainbows" track, and the last encore.

I have found a new love for In rainbows after that night, truely unforgettable

INKY:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 09:23:38


Two nights in Victoria Park in the company of Radiohead....

IN RAINBOWS:
15 Step
All I Need
Bangers 'n' Mash
Bodysnatchers
Faust Arp
Go Slowly
House of Cards
Jigsaw Falling into Place
Nude
Reckoner
Videotape
Weird Fishes / Arpeggi

THE BENDS:
Just
Planet Telex
The Bends

OK COMPUTER:
Airbag
Climbing up the walls
Karma Police
Lucky
No Surprises
Paranoid Android
The Tourist

HAIL TO THE THIEF:
2+2=5
Myxomatosis
The Gloaming
There There

KID A:
Everything in its Right Place
How to Disappear Completely
Idioteque
National Anthem
Optimistic

AMNESIAC:
Dollars and Cents
Pyramid Song
You and Whose Army?

plus:
Cymbal Rush

Possibly the greatest set list ever? Certainly the best I've ever seen!

PHIL THOMAS:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 10:21:15


ditto, great show, great performances by all, the best live band there is. seemed to me the lads had a good time too. what was being played pre-show? would like to get hold of some of it, please.

HUGO:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 10:38:51


I've been a Radiohead fan for many years now but this was my first concert of theirs. Having only seen videos of them live before it is hard to say how good a gig this was but for me it was perfect.

Getting to the front of the crowd was all part of an amazing day out. The setlist was brilliant mixing In Rainbows with a variety of classics from previous albums. I really liked the new album and the tracks sounded even better live but it was really the inclusion of favourites such as The Bends, Karma Police and Paranoid Android that made the occasion so memorable. Reading the reviews from Tuesday's performance, it seems some were frustrated at the lack of 'big numbers'. Wednesday was certainly not short of these but it was great to see some of the lesser known songs too like Bangers 'n' Mash and Go Slowly.

To be honest I think everything about the concert has already been said: the weather, setting and lighting all contributing to a great night. There is one thing that I would like to pick up on. A reviewer commented on the crowd raising the arms in praise of the band during Parnoid Android. I agree with this image. Seeing Radiohead is like a religous ceremony in which band and audience play a part in an extraordinary spectacle. Long may it continue.

DAVID:
Submitted on: JUNE 26, 2008 16:08:40


third outing to see radiohead,who as always produced a fantastic performance,with new songs kicking ass. didnt get the crowd vibe,was this because i was to far from stage( about 150mtr)or was it the daylight or maybe the irritating pre-show drone,or the traffic pollution,i found myself searching for any sign of movement in the crowd as the need to jump up and down became intense.V festival a much better experiance, but like i said at start Radiohead always deliver the goods.

HOWIE:
Submitted on: JUNE 27, 2008 03:57:13


Radiohead freakin are gods!
Screw all you whingers who arent REAL fans bitching about old hits.
Any real fan knows that In Rainbows is incredible and was perfect live (although I enjoyed the live versions of Videotape, Bangers, and few others from the Hammersmith Apollo shows a few years back, shame Videotape doesn't have the amazing crescendo at the end like it use to)

Everything good has been said so I wont rant.

The only horrible thing Tue night being 25 yards from stage, were the damn KIDS who mosh to RH... wtf?! Go back to your indie/goth shows! Thanks for making a perfect night hell.
Wed was much better, was in front of the grey sound boards, and could see and hear much better!
Sound was perfect!

Only whinge from me is RH shows are never long enough! Give us a good 3 hours! ;)

DAN:
Submitted on: JUNE 27, 2008 09:46:23


for me the gig didnt touch the performance at v festival 06. for me the set list was very average.
far too much of in rainbows was played, and with just 2 tracks hail to the thief it wasnt really goin to be successful. tracks like faust arp just arent good enough to keep other tracks off the setlist and was hard to enjoy faust arp as it wasnt night and wasnt the right mood.
worst of all the you have to question the band, as they have cashed in on £50 tickets for a huge crowd.rather than playing more intimate gigs for fans and why wasnt there one played in oxford.it looks as though they wanted to cash in rather than play for the crowd.

FARMER DAVE:
Submitted on: JUNE 27, 2008 11:20:07


This was my first Radiohead concert. WOW!!!!! What a perfect evening!!! Bat For Lashes were great, but Radiohead were just in their own league... I would have liked to seen Climbing Up The Walls though... (I'm just being greedy now). Can not wait for my next time!!!

CRAIG:
Submitted on: JUNE 27, 2008 14:05:04


Howie- Hope u weren,t talking about me and some mates going mental to Idioteque at the end! we were in front of ed 10 rows back!

SAM:
Submitted on: JUNE 29, 2008 15:52:06


Pure perfection!! Having been dying to see them for God knows how long, this was my first opportunity to see them too and it was so worth the wait!
Perhaps the most perfect setlist one could realistically wish for (although Street Spirit would have been the icing on the cake), a crowd who, with the exception of a few inevitable pricks, I thought were dead up for it, beautiful weather, a cracking support act and a band who are simply at the top of their game.
It honestly was the most perfect gig experience of my life and a true privilege to have been there :)

PHIL T:
Submitted on: JUNE 30, 2008 15:06:49


Radiohead have been my favourite band by a long way, for about 12 years. Unfortunately a lot of the crowd around me turned up to talk about fuck knows what throughout almost the entire gig. They shut up briefly for Jigsaw as they knew it from Radio 1 probably. There was also a constant procession of twats pushing closer to the stage or pushing back out to refill their drinks.

I'm annoyed at myself that I let them largely spoil the night for me, but they did.

Finally, why do some people spend half the night taking shitty quality footage and photos on their phones. Can't you just enjoy the moment?

All of the above please fuck off and don't go to see Radiohead again. You are not deserving.

LUSTREBOY:
Submitted on: JULY 13, 2008 14:13:14


one of the best gigs of my life! late comer to Radiohead I have to say, but since i heard Hail to the Theif I've been hooked and when I finally got two tickets after nearly missing them going on sale, i was like a Kid waiting for christmas!
it al worked out perfectly, with great mates, got a top spot, and just let the whole gorgeousness wash over me as I felt the songs elate me, excite me, warm me, inspire me.
note perfect, and just having it!
I know it had nothing to do with me, but 2 songs after i shouted "Play Myxamatosis!!!!" it came on! genius!

and yeah, what is it with people talking? did they go just to say they'd seen them or something? freebies?
twats!

Long may Radiohead continute to write and play music that makes the hairs on the back of your neck prickle and your soul fly to the stars and back