Radiohead delighted fans with an unexpected rendition of "Like Spinning Plates" at their recent London O2 Arena concert, concluding their four-show residency in the city. This marked the first time the enigmatic track from their album Amnesiac was performed live during their current reunion tour, generating considerable excitement among their dedicated fanbase.
The unique composition of "Like Spinning Plates" has an interesting origin, as revealed by frontman Thom Yorke in a 2001 interview. He explained that the song was crafted over a reversed backing track of an early version of "I Will." Yorke recounted hearing the melody played backward from another room and immediately recognizing its superior quality, prompting him to learn and develop the inverted melody.
The band's reunion tour, initiated in September after a seven-year hiatus, has been a source of much anticipation and surprise for followers. Drummer Philip Selway noted that the decision to tour stemmed from the band members' enjoyment of rehearsing together again, reconnecting with their shared musical identity. Prior to the London surprise, Radiohead also brought back other rarely played tracks like "Kid A," "Talk Show Host," "You and Whose Army," and "Pyramid Song" at various stops, including Bologna, Italy, adding layers of excitement to their European dates in Madrid, Copenhagen, and Berlin.
The return of Radiohead to the live stage, punctuated by these unexpected setlist choices, underscores the enduring power of their music and their commitment to engaging with their audience in novel and meaningful ways. Their willingness to delve into deep cuts and revisit the roots of their creative process demonstrates a vibrant artistic spirit, inspiring both their long-standing devotees and new listeners alike.