The last time Radiohead played Outside Lands was the festival’s inaugural year in 2008.
The sound gave out twice on that Friday night in August, creating a brief, silent rock show for the small eternity it lingered. But Thom Yorke and the rest of the collective didn’t miss a beat, miming their way through the sonic void.
Each audio miscue was promptly corrected, and the dense crowd overflowed with joy watching these titans of experimental alternative create the festival’s foothold in the music scene.
Saturday night, in their return to the Lands End main stage at Golden Gate Park, silence fell again, but this time it wasn’t a malfunction.
The muted reception from the crowd blanketed the tens of thousands watching into an authentic identity crisis, prompting the question of whether you came for a performance or for an experience.
With EDM standout Zedd putting on a sensory-touching performance across the park, it was the perfect example of how much the live music culture has changed over the past eight years.
“Burn the Witch” and the ambient ways of “Daydreaming,” the first two tracks on A Moon Shaped Pool, kicked off the set with a sort of anti-opener atmosphere that left the gathered speechless and Yorke skyrocketing to his musical pocket.
The set was absolute bliss, with moody staples “Everything in its Right Place,” “Pyramid Song,” “Nude” blended around danceable numbers like “Lotus Flower” and “The Gloaming.”
“Weird Fishes” and “Paranoid Android” provided a more palatable contrast, but there was certainly a purpose to the song selection.
Radiohead’s music pushes boundaries and can make people feel uncomfortable. You’re unknowingly forced to address your true driving force for seeing live music, and many responded to that by turning around and seeking out the electronic dance party instead.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Those that wanted to be there got what they wanted. Music festivals are special because of the collective experience they offer, but with Radiohead, the set was a little more selfish, focused more individual enjoyment.
And this is why Outside Lands stands apart from many of its peers. It’s a perfect reminder of our history and future, and unites those two worlds with ease every single year.
There was a shared experience at the end, though. Everyone came together and sang the final words of “Karma Police” with a tinge of truth attached, belting out, “For a minute, I lost myself.”
What we found, was another masterful show from Radiohead and a special moment for its fans.
Watch “Karma Police” below, courtesy of L Yap.
You can see the full setlist below.