Full Breakdown
Ed O’Brien Reflects on His Journey with Radiohead and Future Plans
3/23/2026, 7:49:20 PM
Ed O’Brien's Departure from Radiohead
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Ed O’Brien, the guitarist of the iconic British band Radiohead, revealed that he reached a point where he “wasn’t enjoying” being part of the group and felt “done” with it. O’Brien expressed that after the band's 2018 tour, he believed he had contributed all he could and was ready to move on. He stated, “I was done with Radiohead. It had got to a place where I just wasn’t enjoying it... I think we’d run out of road. We’d run out of inspiration.” This sentiment reflects a significant shift in his perspective on the band, particularly after their seven-year hiatus.
The Emotional Return to the Stage
Radiohead returned to live performances in 2025, marking their first shows in seven years, which included a four-night residency at The O2 in London. O’Brien described the experience as “very emotional, very profound,” noting that the band members shared a sense of amazement while performing together again. He remarked, “I feel like I’m the luckiest person on the planet,” highlighting the joy of reconnecting with his bandmates and the audience.
Future Plans for Radiohead
Looking ahead, O’Brien shared that Radiohead plans to perform 20 shows each year starting in 2027, with a focus on different continents. He confirmed, “It’s definitely happening... every year we’re going to do a different continent.” However, he noted that the band would not be active in 2026, indicating a strategic pause before resuming their touring schedule.
O’Brien's Solo Career
In addition to his work with Radiohead, O’Brien has pursued a solo career, releasing his first album under the moniker EOB in 2020. This project allowed him to explore different musical styles, moving away from the melancholy often associated with Radiohead. He described the album as a necessary endeavor, stating, “If I don’t do this, a part of me will die.” His upcoming solo album, titled ‘Blue Morpho,’ is set to be released on May 22, 2024, and will be his first under his own name.
Criticism & Opposition
While O’Brien's reflections on his time with Radiohead and his solo projects have been met with enthusiasm, some critics may question the band's direction and O’Brien's commitment to future tours. The contrast between his desire for personal exploration and the band's collective ambitions could lead to differing opinions among fans and music critics alike.
Official Statements & Responses
O’Brien’s comments about his journey with Radiohead and his solo work have been well-received, with NME praising his solo debut as showcasing his personality and securing his status as “Radiohead’s secret weapon.” The band’s return to the stage has also garnered positive reviews, with their London shows being described as having “a visceral energy” and a “generosity of spirit.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was done with Radiohead. It had got to a place where I just wasn’t enjoying it. I just didn’t resonate with it anymore, and I wanted to do my own thing… I think we’d run out of road. We’d run out of inspiration.” — Ed O’Brien, Guitarist, Radiohead
- “That tour was very, very emotional, very profound. We all felt that. We’d look at one another on that stage, like, ‘This is amazing.’ I feel like I’m the luckiest person on the planet, and I’m not just saying that.” — Ed O’Brien, Guitarist, Radiohead
- “If I don’t do this, a part of me will die.” — Ed O’Brien, Musician
- “It’s definitely happening… What we’re going to do is, every year we’re going to do a different continent, and we’re going to do 20 shows each year. No more, no less,” — Ed O’Brien, Guitarist, Radiohead
This narrative encapsulates Ed O’Brien's reflections on his time with Radiohead, his emotional return to the stage, and his future plans, both with the band and as a solo artist.
