It's Radiohead's biggest achievement that they have become one of the world's biggest bands by making pretty uncommercial music.
Yet, on stage, such is their presence, they are utterly compelling.
At Wolverhampton for the first of a two night run, Radio-head proved why they're still the best band in Britain.
Essentially a pre-summer warm up to showcase some new material, there were no signs of nerves resulting from a prolonged absence from the spotlight.
What impresses most is the fluidity of the five-piece line-up. Kicking off with Thom Yorke on guitar and Jonny Greenwood on Heath Robinson-esque electronics, the band chop and change instruments as the songs require but never lose their essence.
While the music is experimental by modern rock's retroobsessed standards, it's never self-indulgent. Yorke's amazing voice and Greenwood's stunning guitar work are what give the band their identity, but it's an ensemble performance that frequently leaves the listener open-mouthed in awe.
Tracks from the last three albums, such as A Punch Up At A Wedding and Sail To The Moon, sounded amazing, but the s everal new songs also impressed.
The first, a frantic rock work-out, saw Yorke behind a drum kit pounding and howling behind Greenwood's swamp-guitar blur.
Another tune, one of Radio-head's mid-tempo specialities, was simply breath-taking in its beauty. The signs are good for the new album then and, if any of the new material makes the final cut, it may well hark back to the glory days of The Bends.
It was an incredibly generous performance. The band were in no hurry to leave the stage. Yorke was clearly having the time of his life, shadow-boxing and tearing round the stage with a massive grin on his face.
This was one of those gigs that will stay in the memory for a very long time, a unique opportunity to catch a band at the very top of their game, up close and personal.
The closest thing to perfection.
Andrew Cowen
