Thom Yorke says he was already sick of ‘OK Computer’ and needed to “move on” by the time it was released

Thom Yorke, the lead vocalist of Radiohead, has opened up about his complex feelings toward the band’s acclaimed 1997 album OK Computer. In a candid discussion with Harry Styles for Rolling Stone, Yorke disclosed that by the time the album was released, he was already exhausted and eager to progress beyond it.

OK Computer, which features landmark tracks like “Paranoid Android” and “No Surprises,” achieved monumental success, securing five-times platinum status in the UK and selling over 4.5 million copies worldwide. Despite its commercial and critical triumph, Yorke revealed that the relentless cycle of rehearsing and performing the material before release took a toll on his enthusiasm.

According to Yorke, the band had been playing the album’s songs extensively even before the record hit stores. This exhaustive preparation left him feeling drained and resistant to the idea of embarking on the extensive tour that was planned to promote the album. He reportedly pleaded with management to avoid the upcoming two-year touring schedule, expressing a need to move forward creatively rather than remain stuck in the same phase.

Despite his reservations, Radiohead proceeded with what became the Against Demons world tour, spanning over 100 shows from May 1997 through April 1998, and continuing beyond that period. The grueling schedule exacerbated Yorke’s fatigue, and he later described the experience as intensely challenging, emphasizing that the ability to evolve artistically is a necessity rather than a luxury for him.

Yorke’s discomfort during this period was evident to his bandmates as well. Bassist Colin Greenwood has reflected on the tour as one of the most difficult moments in Radiohead’s history, particularly because Yorke appeared visibly drained and disengaged during performances before large audiences. Greenwood noted the emotional strain it caused within the band, highlighting the tension between public success and personal well-being.

The immense pressure of touring culminated in a moment where Yorke attempted to vanish during a soundcheck in Birmingham in late 1997, seeking to escape the overwhelming demands of the road. His temporary disappearance underscored the mental and emotional challenges he faced during that era.

Years later, the band’s members have acknowledged the toll that the OK Computer cycle took on them. Yorke himself has spoken publicly about his struggles with exhaustion and the desire to break free from continuous touring. This sentiment was echoed in their recent reunion, which marked Radiohead’s first live performances together in over seven years. However, Yorke admitted that this return also triggered a significant dip in his confidence, requiring an extended period to recover.

In addition to reflecting on his past experiences, Yorke used his platform at a prestigious industry event earlier this year, where he received the Ivor Novello Fellowship from Harry Styles, to voice concerns about the music industry’s treatment of artists. He warned that the ongoing marginalization of emerging talent could jeopardize the future of music, emphasizing the need for better support systems for musicians, many of whom face vulnerabilities similar to his own.

As Radiohead’s legacy continues to influence generations, Yorke’s recent remarks offer a revealing glimpse into the personal costs behind one of the most celebrated albums in modern rock history. His candid reflections underscore the complexity of artistic success and the often-overlooked challenges artists endure behind the scenes.