As far as Detroit’s music fans are concerned, it’s one of rock’s most enduring mysteries, Detroit Free Press writes… Why won’t Radiohead play here anymore?
More than a decade has passed since the celebrated English band played a stage in the Motor City, a place that has been regarded as one of the country’s premier concert markets.
During that time, the group has booked three full tours of the United States, and has had other scattered dates. But not in Detroit. Not since a 1997 visit that spawned all manner of rumors about the group’s ongoing absence from the Motor City.
“The band has never, ever had anything negative to say about Detroit or the fans there,” says Phil Costello, a former Capitol Records vice president and head of ATO Records, which released Radiohead’s latest album. “I’ve heard remarks about L.A., other places they’ve played. But I’ll reiterate: I’ve never heard anything negative about Detroit fans.”
But he says Radiohead’s anti-sponsor position is a core philosophy for band members, especially vocalist Thom Yorke.
“Thom is a real stickler about that,” says Costello. “Two albums ago, he read a book or an article about corporate sponsorship, and it just sent him crawling up the wall. He decided there would be no more of the bullshit on the side” of the stage. “They’ve really drilled in to see who’s doing what” in terms of sponsor presence at venues.
Read more opinions in the full story over at Detroit Free Press.
Radiohead news on this day..
- Radiohead’s Rolling Stone Cover Interview – 2012
- Radiohead Live at Coachella – Watch the full show in HD – 2012
- Radiohead turned down Oasis as a support band (back in ’94) – 2011
- Atoms For Peace – Live in Oakland – Night 2 – 2010
- Radiohead, the best festival band – 2008
- Thom: Happy Easter – 2006
- Trent Reznor on Radiohead – 2005
- Thom Yorke plays new song at Trade Justice rally – 2005
- Radiohead featured in Record Collector – 2004
- New poster at the w.a.s.t.e. shop – 2004
