Radiohead

May 9, 2008

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

The Deal: Radiohead performs for two-hour, In Rainbows-focused set.

The Good: If you're a fan of the new album, you'll be in heaven on this tour as the band is performing nearly every song from In Rainbows. They're also tossing in a bit of the older stuff and simply putting on one helluva show. The stage is set up with long light tubes that almost resemble rain leading to one of the best light and visual shows I've seen since Pink Floyd — the peak was during "Planet Telex" in the encore. Thom Yorke appeared to hit full stride on stage during "Myxomatosis" as he flailed about — knocking over his microphone stand. He was all over the place on "Idioteque" before settling down behind the keyboard on "Morning Bell." He also made his way behind a smaller, second drum kit for "Bangers & Mash." The entire band remained basically still as Yorke swayed, twitched and rocked about. Two encores were offered, the highlight coming in the second one with "Paranoid Android." Yorke introduced it by saying, "This is a nasty little bastard, this one... Hope you like it." Those in the sold-out crowd loved every minute.

The Bad: Looking online, Bristow, Va., on May 11 got the best setlist so far with the addition of fan favorites "Karma Police" and "Fake Plastic Trees."

The Verdict: The band sounded great, appeared to have a blast on stage and showed why so many people see them as the alt-rock kings of the moment.

Setlist

All I Need

There There

Airbag

15 Step

Nude

Sail To The Moon

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi

Myxomatosis

Idioteque

Morning Bell

Videotape

Optimistic

Where I End and You Begin

You And Whose Army?

Everything In Its Right Place

Bangers and Mash

Bodysnatchers

Encore 1

Go Slowly

Talk Show Host

Exit Music (for a film)

Planet Telex

House of Cards

Encore 2

Paranoid Android

Reckoner