A Conversation with Radiohead’s Ed O'Brien | Fender

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien headed into one of L.A.’s many beautiful canyons for an in-depth chat with Fender about his musical background, his influences and why he is inspired by nature.
The longtime Fender Strat player also talked about the “genius” design of the instrument, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2014.
“I have this fairly nutty theory, but I think all songs exist and you’ve just got to tap in there, and dial in the frequency to find it,” he said. “That’s what I feel about the Strat design. Like with great design, it’s always been there. It’s not forced. You just feel it. It feels like the Strat was plucked from the ether. It’s always been there. It just feels right.”
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A Conversation with Radiohead’s Ed O'Brien | Fender
/ fender

[@leowatkins1518]

Such an underrated figure. I think he's a 'texture-maker' more so than a guitarist, but his role in Radiohead is often overlooked.

[@AndyAndreev]

no its not ... every one loves him

[@nolandoubleu9179]

+Andy Andreev everyone loves everyone in the band

[@AndyAndreev]

Charles Stiles Mystery Diners YES exactly!

[@knightarnaud]

Exactly! To me, Ed is a genius!

[@Caaarrl94]

correct, without ED, radiohead can't reach the heights they do, dude is a wizard

[@thomthum2000]

Ed's responsible for producing some of the most haunting and beatiful soundscapes in Radiohead's music. I feel that his contribution to the band is often overlooked.

[@tiagomaia3819]

+thomthum2000 I doubt the band's more true fans would overlook him. He's a fantastic guitarrist, just as good as Jonny (although Jonny is a better all-around musician).

[@alvifadhollah]

There's a reason why Radiohead is the master of ambient, and the reason is Ed.

[@chaos4316]

Pretty hard to find footage highlighting what he brings.

[@LACKZEWAND]

*Camera zooms out. Ed is talking to nobody.* Plot twist

[@silviacarlamachado9074]

Lol

[@johnsonlhy]

this is hilarious lol

[@diegosepulveda4669]

jwjsjsjjwjjr emv8jq ajjajajaja

[@umpygoodness2369]

or it's two squirrels.

[@CancunMimosa]

Zack Lewand LOL, it’s just his camera phone out in the woods

[@jasonlefler3456]

Jesus, it is so refreshing to hear Ed gives big praise to The Police and U2. So many people diss The Police and U2. These bands were/are/ever shall be epic, colossal, mega musical forces. Knocking them is like saying you don't really go for blue sky or clean drinking water. I love that Ed gives them big ups without a trace of hesitation. Johnny Marr, too. Epic songwriters.

[@aidsan6950]

I don't listen to U2, but I completely agree about The Police.

[@badgazpacho]

Jason Lefler absolutely agreed. The Police were geniuses, and U2 was incredible. U2 especially gets a whole lot of shit for a whole lack of good reason, and it's so rad that Ed references them as influences. Marr is amazing but also often praised.

[@papayer]

why? what's wrong with U2/the police?

[@_powerrranger]

people just see their hits/stings/bono's outspokenness and don't appreciate the wizardry of Summers/the Edge/Stewart Copeland.

[@kengibbens5059]

Jason Lefler i have never heard any one diss The Police

[@AkyovNorthWest]

are radiohead the coolest nerds ever?

[@inescruzada]

after beastie boys...absolutely.

[@ObiWanKenobi]

Inês Cruz before Beastie Boys is Weezer as the 2nd coolest nerds

[@fiftyclown]

ay goatman shut up

[@kengibbens5059]

Cocaine Rain well, DEVO was first!

[@MakeDemocracyMagnificientAgain]

nerds are cool anyways

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

I'm not sure why Ed is so underrated and why Jonny Greenwood gets so much praise for the work done in Radiohead. Ed adds so much to the songs that people people don't even realize it.

[@mikeylikesit100]

Ed has the most amazing speaking voice, and his backing vocals are pretty great as well. I always wondered why he never did any sort of solo projects. Thom, Jonny and Phil do. Hell, he could at least lend his voice to audio books or something, lol. Ed's a talented guy, who's contributions to the band often go unappreciated and/or overlooked by the public at large. I think he has a lot of untapped potential beyond his contributions to Radiohead, and a solo project between RH albums would bring his talents to the forefront.

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

+mikeylikesit100 I could see him doing at least one project on his own, he does go pretty unnoticed sometimes, he is a very good intelligent man and musician

[@jamesmills7255]

Ed recently stated he's releasing a solo album next year! Not sure if he'll be singing on it or whether it'll just be instrumental... but either way I'm looking forward to it!

[@winterwonderland7445]

17th April 2020, it's been a long wait

[@markmye]

Sometimes it feels like Radiohead disappear from the planet for short periods of time, but I'm glad Ed and the rest of the guys are coming back. What a crazy good band.

[@wint7627]

5:27 that mind-blowing airbag guitar part in the background

[@Vaisin]

He is Radiohead's secret weapon

[@temporarymomentary]

Ed is 49 years old and still looks like 30. He didn't aged since late 90s.

[@charlesthehandsomeandbrave2956]

Everytime he sings eddddddddddd! His age decrease a year

[@iliveonatropicalisland6086]

Apparently Ed and Jonny have been stealing youth from Thom

[@stephen300o6]

I heard he was 52.

[@tonyt303]

He bathes in the blood of virgins x

[@GeoAl09]

Waiting for the Ed and Johnny Signature Guitars.

[@phialencar1350]

HELL YES PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FENDER

[@ComicSansaMS]

GeoAl09 Sustainer Strat for Ed!

[@TheEmpyrean15]

Well Jonny's Tele is a little bit 'more' than a modern Tele. It's a Telecaster Plus from the 90s with Lace Sensor pickups (humbucker in the bridge). Also, it has a kill switch installed and several stickers applied. The guitar isn't anything special but you can't buy the exact same thing anywhere, so a signature replica would be nice.

[@buckbumble]

GeoAl09 waiting on a Jonny Greenwood replica Tele Plus. Will happily pay £3000 for one!

[@diegosepulveda4669]

GeoAl09 there is a Ed signature right now

[@herc122]

There you have it guitar players of the world. Many think they need expensive gear in order to sound "Pro", but here is Ed saying that Radiohead's first 2 albums, 2 of the great albums of all time, were recorded with a Fender Squire Strat. He also toured with it. Find gear that is inspiring to you personally.

[@kurtcobain628]

The player will always be more important than his tools.

[@breakalime]

Squier strats made in Japan during the 1980s would probably give today's American Standards a run for their money.

[@RandomGuitarist96]

Absolutely, I own quite a few guitars but my cheap strat copy worth about 80 pounds still gets used as much as my PRS.

[@frenchguitarguy1091]

I wouldn't call Pablo Honey one of the greatest albums, but I get the point

[@User-xw6kd]

I'm sorry to say this but "two of the greatest albums of all time" actually came right after Radiohead's first two albums if you understand what I'm saying.

[@ashrafsahdan5606]

I remember reading some time ago but can't remember where. It described Ed basically like an 'atmosphere' guy in Radiohead. People often think/saw his contribution is limited/very little, just because they didn't actually realized how important his role in that band. It may be true that Thom's and Jonny's playing style are more superior/technical than Ed's, but where do you think that signature 'haunting' Radiohead sounds come? Mostly from Ed's guitar, crying slowly in the distant background.

[@onwun4292]

Just like Richard Wright for Pink Floyd, only Ed doesn't write many songs, but his playing definitely is what makes Radiohead Radiohead

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

@@onwun4292 That's true, although he did write Street Spirit and does come up with a lot of catchy guitar hooks (particular on the first 3 albums).

[@travisscott8759]

@@MicahBuzanANIMATION hate to be that guy but Thom wrote street spirit.

[@NorthWriter]

“'I have this fairly nutty theory, but I think all songs exist and you’ve just got to tap in there, and dial in the frequency to find it,' he said." I felt something in my chest when I read this.

[@caseywilson7768]

I think he may be the nicest most humble rock star on the planet. Seems super cool

[@lucienesther]

he has a very magnetic aura

[@ia5662]

"plucked from the ether" I love this guy! I'm not even a huge Radiohead fan, but I respect their music-making ability and talent. It's great listening to Ed talk and he's got great insight and theories about music and the guitar in general. I'm also all about the Strat, rock on Ed.

[@jw112mail]

Thank you! my favorite band

[@mushuman17]

elitemathlete considering Radiohead is in the title I assume he's talking about that

[@seanlogan1509]

"plucked from the ether, like, it's always been there, you know?" Damn, that was one of the deepest things I've ever heard

[@giselleescobedo6109]

Dear he is so hot!

[@gpeddino]

Ed's contribution to Radiohead is not really obvious but it's extremely important because he lays down the atmospheric grounds for most of their songs. Albums like In Rainbows and A Moon Shaped Pool would be totally different without him.

[@YakobBell]

My favourite Coldplay member

[@emilydollery5176]

Nah. Matt Bellamy.

[@tom989]

Pretty sure hes from oasis

[@geromy3154]

nah dude he's from Joy Division with Johnny Marr

[@krustoffertssevereheadache5641]

You mean blur?

[@Cuburhahacomedy]

dude hes from muse tf you on about

[@johnp8880]

3:45-3:57 context is everything

[@jaredconnaughton4194]

Maybe the most interesting interview about what it’s like to appreciate sound! His appreciation of his gear’s strengths and nuances is a sign of someone who is truly into his craft.

[@User-xw6kd]

Fender should get Jonny for something like this, that would a treat. Although, I'm sure he doesn't like being called a guitarist since he's so much more than that and he can play over a dozen instruments.

[@fanbeer8390]

He's on point, a strat just feels like the right guitar.

[@MCshlthead]

now all you need to do is win the lottery and ul be able to get one

[@123-.-]

Doesn't normally do interviews I think. Nice to hear, always seems like the cool one who doesn't get the attention.

[@chaosmos24]

+Raindrop Collector Is he? How do you know?

[@borohhh]

He does all the interviews.

[@knightarnaud]

Edd and Thom do the most interviews lol

[@MrMatthew7000]

The spirit of Radiohead music.. Ed

[@pedroparamo4938]

"Eeeeeeedddd" - with Ed's voice

[@TSPH1992]

What an nice fella

[@TomAbraham]

Very underrated member of Radiohead

[@iexclipsei]

Idk why but I find him so attractive 💖😭

[@GirlyFish42069]

Same.

[@will10messi]

i love you ed

[@haaazzziiim]

Damn he has style and sense.

[@pumx3]

A 9 minute Fender video with Ed O'Briend and you don't hand him a guitar, mate??

[@dplyman1]

i think i read somewhere that he's the only guy in radiohead that smokes weed and that comes through loud and clear in this interview

[@GirlyFish42069]

Oh I just know Jonny smokes zaza and is a total STONER. I can feel it.

[@dukeofpearl]

Amazing guitarist. Creates the ambiance in every Radiohead tune! Genius 🕶🎶

[@brookhaven0000]

So underrated

[@CNCTEMATIC]

Fender, please make an Ed O'Brien Strat. Please?

[@nodfactor8808]

I like this idea a lot.

[@MCshlthead]

theyd charge like £20000 for it and it wouldnt be anywhere near worth buying.

[@chesterwigzell6042]

CNCTEMATIC they have now.

[@emilydollery5176]

Granted haha

[@LOVER_LINK]

very underrated guitarist

[@arthurballs2754]

Tallest member of Radiohead

[@rondear6130]

Awesome interview, very deep perspectives and so true… 🎸🎆 👌🏽

[@bl4zeds113]

This is so great, it makes me feel better about playing a squire strat haha. Now if I only had 1/1000th of his talent

[@surfrby8876]

Great interview👍

[@clinophiliafilms9873]

7:20 He may not be just an analog head, but he is a radiohead

[@Hollowsmith]

Half the beautiful Radiohead sounds that people assume is Jonny, is actually Ed. If you like the ATMOSPHERE of Radiohead, Ed is more responsible for it than anyone in the band.

[@xWESTICLESx]

"Yeah" - Ed O'Brien

[@potsnpaninis]

I can’t believe I’m 4 years late to this record but ohhh my god it is stunning!

[@BangoBean]

That's interesting, you get visuals, and emotions. For me, I go to another world entirely when I'm in the zone while performing/creating music. I get the emotions too, but it's almost like I'm not physically there anymore, and I'm in an abstract dimension.

[@contecrayononpaper]

That is a nutty theory. I, however, have always been there.

[@Jess1234]

Hes very goodlooking

[@jgfunk]

+2 more cool points for Ed for citing "Big Lebowski"

[@decmccallion]

Always has been and always will be, a cool cool guy!

[@AyKenDuu]

One video with Johnny too please :D .

[@GirlyFish42069]

I love him.

[@damski66]

That was fab

[@JonathanGonzalez-to9gt]

Is that Tarzana, California where Radiohead shot the music videos for The Numbers and Present Tense?

[@Ceilingfan_]

True genius

[@nicktrousers]

that airbag intro

[@_caustics_]

Ed O'Brien is so amazing

[@PaperMacheTea]

Convinced me to get a strat

[@radiofart]

yes

[@stevenclark1973]

brilliant

[@Millennial_Mike]

And I used it on OK Computer... *cue Jonny Greenwoods telecaster riff 🙈

[@arturobelano6243]

if ur talkin bout airbags main riff, thats ed

[@atrevers]

"And then I shaved my head, went to California and designed the Bondi Blue iMac..."

[@maxry1420]

Of course Ed O'Brien would talk about guitars for at least 9 minutes without playing or even touching one.

[@drexlspivey5828]

He claims he used a Squire Strat during Pablo Honey and The Bends but if you look at any footage from that period he was clearly using expensive Rickenbackers

[@electricritual4197]

He probably used multiple guitars on there albums. Inclding the guitar he was talking about. When you go in a studio, especially a big one like they would go into. They have plenty of guitars in them, for the artist choose from. As well as many different amps and microphones. Now if they were just low-budget recordings, than maybe he just use that guitar.

[@SpaceDisco1]

You do realize that Recording something is not the same as playing live? Even then, you can use several instruments on a record.

[@kengibbens5059]

Pay attention kids: Andy Summers!!!!!!

[@mohsinrao4334]

EEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!

[@mcblahflooper94]

Props to whoever smoked Ed down before this interview

[@str8breetha]

god he is handsome

[@ForeFX]

sonically

[@0eulogra0]

I thought I was the only one seeing landscapes with sounds!

[@anonympseudonym5082]

he listened to the police? wow, I love them, too...

[@anonympseudonym5082]

Jimbo Hardizzle Well, you're probably right, not really my generation though... So sadly enough I've never met anyone my age who likes their music.

[@amoonshapedpaul]

Wish he would make a solo record

[@amoonshapedpaul]

really? Any info on it?

[@zynel413]

He made it

[@vincevirtua]

I'd like to hear an Ed solo record, as nice a guy as he seems I just can't work out his contributions on the later Radiohead releases. It's not obvious to me.

[@cmcbride]

His guitar textures are all over the new album in particular, particularly when Jonny is playing piano.

[@vincevirtua]

Cathal McBride yeah it's definitely evident on the new record, and seeing him live brought it all to surface.. definitely a great asset to the group.

[@packtlikesardines]

not sure if you’re still interested but hes got one

[@jordan-qq9kj]

ed and jonny sigs please...

[@akf2000]

having a, you know, fucking guitar in this video would've helped.

[@daidiary4748]

So he recorded Fake Plastic Trees and Creep with a Squier?

[@antman674]

You know he can't wait to get his hands on that rick 😂😂

[@butterflylondres1412]

Hello Ed I love you & your accent OMG

[@cagethefoxtrick3852]

He is the british Keith Urban, but instead of country he plays radiohead

[@runningcoyote9972]

what if Mr Ed behind all the Radiohead masterpiece ?

[@KeatonTait]

cool

[@underground_man]

Anyone else think Ed resembles Alan Watts?

[@chiiitmeng]

michael cera looks like johnny greenwood.

[@carolinatapiac2124]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeed

[@DavidD-un5oy]

Actually plays his signature guitar which costs a reasonable amount of money. Cool dude.

[@valentinaliendo1852]

I'm a bit surprised of that tattoo

[@Kertoip86]

Till now I didn't know he had one. What is it?

[@valentinaliendo1852]

I don't know , must be recent because I never saw any tattoo on him

[@DeadCanDance31]

i didn know he lived in brazil :o

[@urbienbryllejamellep.2318]

Colin is the soul of Radiohead Phil is the spine of Radiohead Johnny is the heart of Radiohead ED is the blood of Radiohead Thom is the radioHEAD

[@manvithharikiran5576]

The head of Radiohead

[@jaypicness]

Ahh, radiohead's very own "ringo"

[@andrewptob]

Ed is the only famous person with whom I share a last name, that I’m aware of at least.

[@DiatonicVids]

5:08 Way to paraphrase Michelangelo.

[@matthewdavids5778]

the idea of music being something that exists, like an energy flow, that we are there to 'tap into' or to give it a voice to is something I have believed for a longtime but very rarely hear anyone else consider it that way. I am a visual artist also, but I have never heard this thinking attributed to Michelangelo. Can you direct me to some sources as I am constantly learning about creativity. Thanks

[@DiatonicVids]

Matthew Davids Sure. He was referring to David, and the exact quote is ‘In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.’-Michelangelo I actually had to look it up because I didn't remember the exact wording, but there it is. Here's the link so you can read more about it. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079389/

[@MoPower2112]

Do you think hes getting a sig guitar?

[@pepsimaru]

Nope he switches between too many guitars live, he could not just stick to one.

[@acarlovonsexron1994]

If they gave Ed a signature before Johnny's Tele or even Colin's P Bass I'd be really surprised.

[@PlanetAirsoftPlym]

Michael Osztertag Jonny needs a signiture guitar!

[@DavinCoadyOfficial]

Ray Goodwin Johnny's guitar is a telecaster plus! :) He didn't change anything to the guitar.

[@PlanetAirsoftPlym]

***** yeah I know, fender need to re-release the proper tele plus, not the rubbish chinese one!

[@YonderVillas]

"Eeeeeeh - eeeeeed"

[@g00d34]

3:45 😂😂😂

[@mickdestiny6542]

this one goes to eleven..

[@R2FDI]

great bokeh