Earlier today Radiohead unveiled the Radiohead Public Library on its website. The project is the band’s attempt to provide accurate archival information about the group’s history as officially collected by the band.
As part of the Radiohead Public Library the band is offering access to b-sides, making custom-ordered merchandise, sharing videos of full concerts, sharing playlists they listened to during the creation of albums and more. It’s an online treasure trove of audio and visual goodies for Radiohead fans.
One of the concerts that is being shared is the group’s 2001 show at The Gorge Amphitheatre. Mislabeled “The Gorge, Washington D.C.,” the 23-song set is Radiohead in its prime. The setlist is heavy with material from “Ok Computer,” “Amnesiac” and “Kid A” and includes the popular b-side “Talkshow Host” as well as a relatively rare performance of “Motion Picture Soundtrack.”
Aside from being a top-notch Radiohed performance (is there any other kind?) the show is notable for a few reasons. First, it’s been reported but never confirmed that the group disliked their experience at the Gorge so much that they pledged to never perform at the venue again which is why this show was the first and only time Radiohead has played the iconic venue.
The second reason it’s a notable show is a personal one for me. The concert was my first time seeing Radiohead live and it converted me into a lifelong fan. Also, I had a bit of help getting to the show from the concert gods.
We were about halfway to the venue when I realized I left the tickets on top of the car. For those unfamiliar with Washington state geography, The Gorge is roughly 180 miles easy of Seattle which for a rather rushed and dejected panic return home to hunt for the tickets. Luckily, the tickets were on the ground in the parking spot where I left them. Dumbfounded by our luck, we hit the road again and made it into the venue to hear the opening notes to “The National Anthem.”
Watch the entire concert, without worrying that you left your tickets on top of your car, below.
