Thom Yorke – A journey that knows no rest.
Lunch with Thom Yorke this Wednesday – recorded at The Sydney Opera House during a two-night performance on November 2, 2024.
When you have a lot to say, there’s no point in waiting to get it out. Thom Yorke has a lot to say and is using every precious minute to say it. 2024 saw the release of a new Smile album, his embarking on his first-ever solo tour to coincide with the release of his debut album and the premier of a collaboration with film director Danielle Lucetti for Confidenza, which was released in late 2024.
Any one of those would be enough to take a year (or at least a good six months) off in order to bask in the accomplishment. With Yorke, it’s another series of footsteps in an amazing journey that’s bringing his world to those not quite familiar; spreading the message and becoming a household name in the process.
The Sydney Opera House concerts were typical of what Thom Yorke was bringing to audiences – an intimate glimpse at a body of work that extended decades, going back to early Radiohead work, some of which had never been heard before.
A sparse setting – no dramatic lighting – no effects. It was intended to be a stripped down performance, exposing a heart and mystery that have been at the core of all Thom Yorke’s work.
Needless to say, the audience was spellbound. This was Thom Yorke freely handing out packets of emotional nourishment – it was the stuff you took with you that sustains you through difficult and perplexing times. It’s Hope encapsulated in a not-quite ninety minute set.
Long story short – it was a special concert, part of a special tour. A performance greeted with love and grateful acceptance from the audience. No one had the bad taste to scream out in the middle of any song – I think everyone understood this was a serious gathering for some astonishing music.
Grab someplace quiet and spend some time with this one – it’s good for ragged nerves and frayed emotions. Press Play and relax.
