Thom Yorke Performs Radiohead’s ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’ Solo for the First Time and Revives ‘Sail To The Moon’ After Over 20 Years
Thom Yorke Dives into the Deep End: Solo Debut of ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’ and More in Auckland
In a night that felt like a master class in beloved melancholia, Thom Yorke made waves at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday, October 26, captivating audiences not just with his ethereal voice but also with a milestone moment—a solo debut of Radiohead’s “Jigsaw Falling Into Place.” As his solo tour across Australia and Asia unfolds, Yorke is mining his extensive back catalogue, offering fans a sonic feast that draws not only from Radiohead’s oeuvre but also from his various musical incarnations, including solo efforts and side projects like The Smile.
There’s an unmistakable tension in the air when Yorke steps onto the stage, holding the audience in thrall with the first notes of “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi.” But it’s the unveiling of “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”—a fan-favorite from the seminal In Rainbows—that sends shivers down the spine of those gathered. It is a rare treat to witness an artist of Yorke’s stature share such an intimate, raw interpretation of a song typically associated with Radiohead’s electrifying live shows.
“This is a first for me,” Yorke coyly revealed to the audience before launching into the track. His voice, layered with emotion, rendered the song’s contemplative lyrics even more poignant, showcasing the kind of vulnerability that has always distinguished his work.
Yet, Yorke’s foray into the night’s setlist didn’t stop there. The Auckland show also marked his first presentation of Hail To The Thief’s “Sail To The Moon” since 2003, a hauntingly beautiful performance that combined nostalgia with a dash of the unexpected. It was a reminder of how his discography is a multiverse of sound; each song an aura, its own little universe touching on themes of yearning, despair, and transcendence.
Yorke dusted off some other deep cuts during the concert, including "The Daily Mail" and “Airbag,” both of which enjoyed their first solo airings since 2010. For long-time fans, hearing “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” was akin to reuniting with an old friend, bringing with it the familiar ache of its haunting melody and chilling refrain.
His eclectic setlist resembled a treasure map through the labyrinth of his artistic journey, featuring tracks like “Rabbit In Your Headlights” and “Cymbal Rush,” generating a palpable sense of euphoria among those fortunate enough to be present. The enthusiastic crowd lapped it all up, buoyed by the emotional weight of the music presented in a new light.
Yet the excitement of the performance is interwoven with the musician’s candid reflections on Radiohead’s future—or lack thereof. In a recent interview with Australian media outlet Double J, Yorke nonchalantly commented on speculation surrounding the band’s return, asserting that he "really doesn’t give a fuck" about fans’ desires for a reunion. "We’ve earned the right to do what makes sense to us without having to explain ourselves,” he asserted, a declaration that encapsulates his artistic ethos.
This unapologetic independence is echoed in the recent work of The Smile, the band he formed with Jonny Greenwood, whose new album Cutouts was hailed by NME as a liberating sonic space away from Radiohead’s towering legacy. The Smile provides a canvas for experimentation, an outlet for Yorke to breathe—and it seems he is thriving.
As he continues his tour across Australia and Asia, fans remain hopeful for more astonishing debuts like those seen in Auckland. Thom Yorke’s journey is far from over, and if his recent performance is any indication, he is still capable of unraveling mysteries and shaping emotional landscapes with his uniquely poignant artistry, one solo song at a time.
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