October 26, 2024

Thom Yorke Spark Arena October 25, 2024 (13th Floor Concert Review)

“Play something eclectic and weird!” That shout from a fan at the back of Auckland’s Spark Arena resonated as Thom Yorke played the first of two shows at the venue and just the second overall for his Everything Tour.

Yorke, of course, is the front man for Radiohead along with a handful of side projects including Atoms For Peace and The Smile, who just released a new album earlier this month.

Thom Yorke But did we hear anything from Cutouts? No…that would be what was expected of an artist who wants to promote his work, and as Yorke’s fans know, playing the game and fulfilling expectations is not Thom’s game plan.

He and his Radiohead bandmates have been forging their own path since 1997’s OK Computer took over the musical world. Since then the band had experimented with electronica, resulting in the stunning Kid A while Yorke has released a series of solo albums and collaborated with bandmate Jonny Greenwood and producer Nigel Godrich.

So what to expect from this very solo show?

The whittled-down Spark Arena was full to the rafters when Yorke appeared on the stage just after 8:30pm. Of course it was dark, with just one spotlight shining on Thom as he played the first few chords of The Eraser, the title track from his 2006 debut solo album.

A huge cheer comes from the crowd and Yorke sings, “Please excuse me, but I’ve got to ask, are you only being nice because you want something”.

The lyric seems tailor-made for the situation and of course the answer is, “We love you Thom!” a phrase that was shouted out many times over the course of the two-hour set.

Thom Yorke The set itself featured songs from all phases of Yorke’s career…10 originally by Radiohead and a smattering of Smile and solo songs. We were even treated to one “new” tune…Back In The Game…a song that got its debut two nights ago in Christchurch.

“”You didn’t notice that, right?”, Thom “quipped “ after a brief tech malfunction, “Ladies and gentlemen, there is no computer on this stage.”

That was about the extent of his stage banter, other than the occasional mumbled “thank you” and “alright”.

Fortunately the music and Yorke’s voice carried the night. His familiar falsetto was in fine form swooning and crooning on acoustic versions of Fake Plastic Trees, Reckoner and Videotape.

“Love this record”, I think he muttered while playing back-to-back songs from In Rainbows.

This was not a greatest hits showcase for mass consumption, but rather a gift for hard-core fans who have stayed with Yorke throughout his “eclectic and weird” musical journey.

Kudos to whoever designed the lighting and stage design, with not much to see on the darkened stage, it gave those of us in the cheap seats something to immerse ourselves in as we could choose to be totally engaged or sit back and slip into a dream state.

The smell of weed wafted through the venue about halfway through the show and tellingly, no one from the venue tried to stop the gaggle of fans who were lighting up.

And to those who disparage the sound at Spark Arena, I can tell you that the mix was exquisite, from the spare acoustic numbers to the electronic “bangers”…a job well done.

Just before the three-song encore, Thom spoke, thanking everyone for coming and acknowledged his crew, telling us, “I honestly fucking hate working alone”.

For a guy who is a member of three bands, it seemed a bit strange…surely this solo tour was his choice.

No matter, the fans went home very happy and chances are, those who return for the second night will get a very different setlist, making for an experience that will end up on many concert goers’ “best of the year list”.

Marty Duda

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