Few bands in modern music have been as bold, experimental, and influential as Radiohead. Emerging in the late 1980s from Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, the band rose from their grunge-inspired debut Pablo Honey to the critically acclaimed OK Computer and then completely redefined alternative rock with the groundbreaking Kid A and Amnesiac.
But behind their sonic innovations lies a deep well of inspiration. Over the years, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, and Philip Selway have spoken openly about the artists who influenced their journey. The result is an eclectic mix of rock icons, electronic pioneers, jazz innovators, and even classical composers.
Thom Yorke’s Early Influences
For frontman Thom Yorke, the turning point came when he first heard The Beatles’ “She Loves You”, a song he later credited as the spark that pushed him toward music. Yet, Yorke’s influences expanded quickly.
In the late 1990s, during the creation of Kid A, Yorke immersed himself in the electronic experiments of Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Squarepusher, describing them as liberating:
“Aphex Twin opened up another world that didn’t involve my guitar… he was a massive influence.”
Yorke has also celebrated Scott Walker for his haunting vocals, citing “It’s Raining Today” as one of the most profound pieces he’s ever heard. His vocal style, he admits, owes much to Walker’s theatrical yet emotional delivery.
Another key discovery for Yorke was Neil Young. As a teenager, the BBC compared his early recordings to Young, prompting him to buy After the Gold Rush. He instantly fell in love, admiring Young’s unpolished honesty and emotional vibrato.
Yorke has also praised Talking Heads’ Remain in Light*, especially the track “Born Under Punches”, calling it like a “bomb going off” in his head and a major influence on Radiohead’s approach to studio experimentation.
REM: Heroes and Friends
For Radiohead, few bands were as important as REM. Yorke often credits Michael Stipe as both a musical hero and later, a personal mentor. During the overwhelming fame following OK Computer, Yorke leaned on Stipe for advice and support. Songs like “E-Bow the Letter” and “Electrolite” remain touchstones in Radiohead’s inspirational catalogue.
Philip Selway’s Drumming Inspirations
Drummer Philip Selway cites Stewart Copeland (The Police), Stephen Morris (Joy Division/New Order), and Dave Ruffy (The Ruts) as early influences. He specifically remembers being blown away by Killing Joke’s “Follow the Leaders”, which inspired him to take up drumming.
Jonny Greenwood’s Classical Touch
While Yorke embraced electronic pioneers, guitarist Jonny Greenwood brought his love of orchestral music into the fold. His work as a composer for films like There Will Be Blood and The Power of the Dog is rooted in his admiration for classical giants such as Shostakovich, particularly the anguished Adagio from String Quartet No. 10.
When asked about the song that saved him, Greenwood picked Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life”, a record he first heard from his older sister and one he still returns to for comfort and energy.
Building the Ultimate Playlist
Over time, Radiohead have cited a breathtakingly diverse range of influences. Their ultimate inspiration playlist reads like a journey through the history of modern music — from jazz legend Miles Davis to Pixies, from Björk to Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.”
This eclecticism explains why Radiohead’s music continues to evolve and challenge conventions, refusing to stay in one genre.
The Ultimate Radiohead Inspiration Playlist
- The Beatles – Happiness Is A Warm Gun
- Neil Young – After The Gold Rush / On the Beach
- Talking Heads – Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) / Radio Head
- Scott Walker – It’s Raining Today
- Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works (esp. “Avril 14th”)
- Autechre – Clipper
- Squarepusher & AFX – Freeman Hard and Willis Acid
- REM – E-Bow the Letter, Electrolite, Talk About Passion
- Pixies – Debaser, Here Comes Your Man, Monkey Gone to Heaven
- Killing Joke – Follow the Leaders
- The Police – Walking on the Moon
- Joy Division/New Order – Ceremony
- Björk – Unravel
- David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes
- Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure
- Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
- Iggy Pop – Lust For Life
- Nina Simone – Lilac Wine
- Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
- Shostakovich – String Quartet No. 10 (Adagio)
- Maurice Ravel – Le jardin féerique
- Sidney Bechet – Blue Horizon
- Bob Dylan – Subterranean Homesick Alien (inspiration for Radiohead’s Subterranean Homesick Alien)
- Portishead – The Rip
Conclusion
Radiohead’s music has always been forward-thinking, but it’s clear their genius stems from a wide network of influences — spanning rock, electronic, jazz, classical, and avant-garde traditions. This Radiohead inspiration playlist is more than a collection of songs; it’s the DNA of one of the greatest bands in modern history.
