The Smile - Bending Hectic (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival)

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Courtesy of FFJM/Montreux Jazz Festival © 2022
Recorded & Mixed by Mikko Gordon
Executive Producer - Mathieu Jaton
Executive Producer - Nick Bonard
Executive Producer - Thibaud Megevand
Rights & Clearances Supervisor - Maureen Forde
Executive Producer - Aurélie Ullrich
Creative Director - Yann Orhan
Director of Photography - Ludovic Matthey
Live Director - Julien Minguely
Editor - Thibaud Megevand
Cameraman - Alain Phildius
Camerawoman - Aline Saretti
Cameraman - Hervé Pfister
Cameraman - Melvin Ory
Cameraman - Jérémie Fazan
Technical Manager - Davide Angieri
Vision Engineer - Matia Zennaro
Vision Engineer - Stéphane Ryter
Sound Engineer LAB - Stéphane Tornare
Audio Supervisor LAB - Didier Bender
Production Manager - Julien Ecuyer
#thesmile #montreuxjazzfestival #live

[@AmoneyM]

I’m convinced this song is one of the best from any Thom Yorke/Radiohead related project.

[@_CoasterNinja]

Agreed! I feel the same way about A Light For Attracting Attention too. Such great songwriting on that album!

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

yeah i really don't think so

[@Retrograde.Amnesiac]

I feel the same!

[@dragonmagoz]

Absolutely agreed. If anyone doubted whether they still had it in them, they have it alright!

[@AndrewBernardin]

💯

[@Millennial_Mike]

The Smile is a wonderful opportunity for Thom and Jonny to enjoy the wonder of pure creativity without the collosal pressure of being Radiohead. The result is stunning.

[@bio.apfelschorle76tm89]

thats what i was thinking. even though it still sound a lot like radiohead instead of anything else. not like thats a bad thing

[@seranoraa]

Every year thom writes his new best song.

[@puscifer10000]

Thom looks so damn healthy and has never sounded better.

[@Inkeyso]

Vegan?

[@kchrist]

​@@Inkeysomoby

[@seanc.5788]

Success. Though, just an observation from a fan. Not someone jealous, envious or hater. Nothin' but love from here.

[@edan]

Jonny’s Solo at the end is so much different than the studio version and my personal favorite. Seems every show has a different ending!

[@bigtupa5613]

thats bc they are improvising (in both)

[@GreenToast01]

Ever heard of improvisation?

[@rgcast]

Studio version?

[@rgcast]

I figured out they are talking about digital release. When I hear studio version I assume “physical release” because I’m old.

[@severenr]

​@@rgcast I mean, a 'studio version' version of a song is simply a version of a song that has been recorded, engineered, mixed, mastered, etc. in a studio. It doesn't have anything to do with a particular release of that song in the first place, no matter whether the release is physical or digital.

[@kaylamanor]

The ending gets me pregnant every time. I’m owed so much child support from these fellas…

[@loleq2137]

WHO SAYS THIS LIKE THAT o_O

[@lloydrobson]

“Sheer bloody poetry “

[@vanessasogne7555]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Midihael]

the f bro

[@catnipcanoodle]

we were all thinking it @@loleq2137

[@actuallythepie]

that guitar tone is heavenly

[@anderkaurv5182]

It is

[@ocean6270]

What a precise and pointful guitar playing! Jonny managed to surprise me again. You can’t get used to his talent.

[@DailyNihilism]

Top tier creativity

[@TeddyWaldon]

The discrete guitar hero

[@SirYoinksalot]

agreed, no idea how at times he makes it sound as if there are more than 1 guitar being played

[@Rob954ever]

I'm going to quantify what I'm going to say by telling you that in moving ever closer to 60 years old. I'm not new to the world and I'm a life long lover of music. With that said, I truly believe that Thom and Jonny are the Lennon/ McCartney of their generation. There. I said it. I just love anything they do together and their catalog is very expansive.

[@jameshannagan4256]

I;m going to be 60 in October ahd I feel the same way there's so much more music after all these years and the Beatles could never happen again but I consider Radiohead their spiritual successors.

[@christopherhuot2826]

Tom could sing a menu from a restaurant and it would be killer 😅

[@itaintmebabe714]

He would be singing his order to the waiter

[@olexandrhumeniuk299]

Flan in the face, flan in the face, flan in the face

[@Plasticspatula1]

This is true

[@wilsonsecaur1015]

@@olexandrhumeniuk299 banger comment

[@LinushkaD]

Couldn't agree more 😄

[@JBDazen]

"How was that?" Well it was pretty fucking magnificent, Thom!

[@modifiedb0y]

I love the smile i lo d fbe smile i love fhe sile i love the smile i lovd fhe smsiel i lcoe the smile

[@NastyCheese0707]

that's so true you're so right go off sis

[@modifiedb0y]

@@NastyCheese0707 dont call me that

[@NastyCheese0707]

@@modifiedb0y my bad, won't happen again

[@modifiedb0y]

@@NastyCheese0707 hehehehhe :333

[@NastyCheese0707]

@@modifiedb0y owo~

[@AmyCeleste]

Holy…This is what I’m in the mood for. “Despite these slings, despite these arrows, I’ll force myself to turn.” What a performance! God bless Thom’s angel voice and also Jonny’s finger.❤️‍🩹

[@NastyCheese0707]

jonny's finger

[@lotsofhands4929]

finger

[@robertbouchard6719]

God bless your fingers, for typing these nice words!

[@Fatima-qh2cz]

this is a hamlet reference

[@antdujar]

What I love is that Thom and Johnny can do whatever they like. This track oozes everything they’ve done in their entire career while still feeling new. So whenever I hear people complain about which era of Radiohead they like or don’t like, This song displays everything that people like no matter whatever era of their careers. Those that miss the energy of the bends and ok computer, you get that in this song. Those that prefer something akin to Amnesiac/HTTT/in rainbows/ AMSP, you also get that here, and those that like the solo stuff, you also get that here. It’s such a great track that builds into such a solid rollercoaster ride of a scene. Shows they still have so much creativity in the tank without ever phoning anything in.

[@louwhyman5995]

Yeah I agree, this track is so classic radiohead, if you squint your eyes you can see phillip on the drums. But it also way more organic than most radiohead tracks, hints why it translates so well to live. It feels like they put talk show host, spinning plates and blowout together.

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

Greenwood doing film soundtracks and compositions adds to how he comes up with his playing style and helps so much with their atmosphere and mood of the songs. Always has been so unique

[@inbanmurugan8904]

This is literally the best song in the world. It’s the most free use of instruments, with no time to hold back, it is truly the merging of three individuals into one entity, creating art under no name other than music, the song seems to be alive itself.

[@Mehwei]

This exact version is my favorite song forever

[@FILIPOSCAR]

Sublime. The drums are crystal clear on this, so this is instantly my favourite version.

[@DylTyrril]

"Follow us down the train crash" - Yep, this about sums up this heart wrenching and self-affirming journey of a tune pretty succinctly.

[@1johnquist]

This is brilliant on so many levels. What a treat!

[@Casey_Schmidt]

The ground is coming for me now Wе've gone over the edge If you've got something to say Say it now Simply beautiful.

[@pandoraa777]

I am really happy to see thom is having fun again being on stage. Also brilliant performance

[@danielstahl5028]

This recording, with lyrics fresh off the pen, is precious. Having watched numerous live recordings of this song since, this "how was that?" first performance is something extra special. I find myself coming back here often to relive the moment this happend. This would be a no-brainer for a time machine. I suspect this recording will have a long history in the archives.

[@dumbw4614]

How the hell do I express my love for these legends

[@_fpc]

It's amazing how this song has evolved from the last tour to this year's tour. I've uploaded an edit of 'Bending Hectic' in Mexico to my channel, and it is as powerful as the Montreux version. However, they experimented a little bit more with tension and release. Each time they play a song, it becomes alive. That's one of the things that I love about the band - they relive the songs every time they perform. Hope to see them again once LP2 comes out.

[@StephenReid-hk8hs]

Hi, what do you think of the new album? (Wall of eyes) Like everyone else I wanted a new Radiohead album but The Smile have been keeping me happy, going to see them tonight 20th march in Glasgow 🎸👍

[@_fpc]

@@StephenReid-hk8hs Hi! I hope you enjoyed the show in Glasgow yesterday. I love the new album, and while I don't really compare Radiohead and The Smile that much, I must say I lean towards The Smile, my view is that as long as we get good music, everything is fine. As for the songs, I tend to prefer the first versions of "Under Our Pillows," for example, but I also really like the album version. I was hoping to get a couple more songs like "Colours Fly." in WoE. I'm waiting for the announcement of the next tour, hoping I can grab tickets for either US or Mexico shows. It makes me sad that they won't come to Chile, but I understand that it's weird for them to schedule a tour in LATAM. Logistics are hard, and typically only Brazil, Chile, and maybe Argentina have "big enough" production companies, so they feel comfortable making shows. Anyways, cheers from all the way down, across the pond.

[@StephenReid-hk8hs]

@@_fpc thanks for the reply, I just listened tonight to a new version of bodies laughing from their Brussels gig the other week, you should give it a listen? Like most The Smile songs it doesn't disappoint, hope you get those tickets cause it's something you won't forget 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎸👀👍

[@IamNameless]

I was having a bad day and now I’m cured…thanks guys👍😊

[@aternias]

should have been on the live album, absolutely brilliant performance

[@SelenaSea]

Next one... 😊

[@sillysepia]

hopefully on the next one! since it belongs to a wall of eyes :]

[@stevedonaghey6436]

I love the reverb on Jonny's guitar in this version - It's absolutely incredible.

[@suzycat2026]

This song, it's like a drive, a drive down the Italian mountainside, chasing the Sun , once I was so happy there. Lovee this song so much, almost as much as driving the bends in Italy.💜 Thanks guys, you awesome.😻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dkatdesign]

masterpiece - every one of them at the absolute pinnacle of mastership. but - THE F**ING DRUMS - HOLY FATHER IN HEAVEN !!!!!!!

[@carolem1413]

The whole live performance at Montreux was majestic !!!!!!! Thank you guys 💙

[@CSKapper]

I was mesmerized hearing this for the first time at their Denver concert. It's one of my favorite songs. Much love to, Thom, Jonny, and Tom! ❤️

[@deadlight100]

when thom asks "how was THAT" you know he's proud of the song... and rightfully so!

[@Ludo_Liu]

that was just amazing to answer your question at the end ... I'll listen this hundreds of time... like most of your songs since more than 20 years now

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

Ditto !!!

[@anchovski1788]

Epic this song! Probably one of the strongest compositions of the last few years

[@ZzVickizZ]

❤ Jonny you don't how I love you. Thank you for all your music. 🇵🇪

[@GeoMahlon]

I always come back to this live version. I love the Studio version but there is something about this live version that is just perfect!

[@BladeDoomer86]

Absolute masterpiece..... So much energy and emotions..

[@susannahmoss679]

three people making all of that puff, made me very happy

[@Retrograde.Amnesiac]

One of my favourite songs, can't ever get enough of it.

[@gordooist]

Estoy consternado con semejante actuación que acabo de ver ...cuando cambia el sonido de la guitarra johny..cuando cambia la canción ..ufff que viaje increíble..gracias por tanta música por tanto arte the smile

[@trees8288]

I wish more of Thom’s songs would find their way to the band’s setlists.

[@AmyCeleste]

5:22 (“Get ready”) “And I’m letting go of the wheel…” 🤯 💥❤

[@WorldOfArGii]

Johnny channeled his inner Billy Corgan at the end and it is 🔥. Probably the heaviest and freshest song I've heard this year.

[@ismar23ful]

it's like good wine

[@joeygodzikowski9430]

Total tune. My mind is nicely blown. Thank you.

[@gpeddino]

Interesting to hear the slight changes between this and the final studio version.

[@JBDazen]

The studio version isn't final, it's just one iteration of many.

[@rgcast]

What studio version? What am I missing?

[@RyanRenteria]

@@rgcast theres literally a studio recording of this song

[@rgcast]

@@RyanRenteria I’m old. When I see or hear studio version I think physical copy. I realized they are talking about the digital release. 😬

[@victorj1415]

There's a different take off, with LCO Strings

[@Jayclark80]

Radiohead blew my mind in ‘97 when I first heard “Paranoid Android,” now in ‘24 consider my mind blown again after hearing this

[@92bth]

Flew in from London for this solo. Was one of those sticky, balmy nights. Those bending notes Jonny conjures epitomise that perfectly. Unreal tune.

[@AdamDMeza]

The beauty of this song gets me everytime 😢

[@barbaraann729]

"I Promise" this group has to be the most talented band I ever heard..Thom has a unique imagination he can make any song sound wild yet beautiful..love 😘😘❤❤❤u guys!!!

[@freewayking3591]

Initially I was kind of skeptical about the idea of a 3 person band, but a performance like this makes me forget that. Powerful sound, and yet, we hear all the little variations. Great stuff.

[@stephanemignot100]

Trios are the best, no place to hide

[@riahlexington]

Saw them live and they were amazing

[@DailyNihilism]

On some songs they have a fourth member, playing sax

[@amindfulcounselor]

Greatest musicians ever to live.

[@shinybeast8946]

Man, I hate Radiohead fans.

[@Moonsha93]

What an amazing tone jonnyyy 😍

[@tenkist1312]

i remember when i saw them a few weeks ago thom yorke said that they performed this song here first. glad i finally get to see it

[@thevoid99]

the opening guitar bits sounds a lot like some of the work of peter green in his fleetwood mac days. i love it.

[@robindeanna1323]

Interesting refernece, no one ever mentions Peter Green

[@stay.alive.00]

love these geezers

[@HotTakeAndy]

Lmao. Same.

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

The ending of this performance is amazing.

[@tylerhoward7679]

A masterpiece - possibly my favorite of anything “Thom”

[@ghislaindidier6306]

Ils sont vraiment excellents! Ce nouveau morceau est trop bon !

[@michaelbrant8842]

Wasn't sure about The Smile at first now totally addicted so much talent wonderful tunes

[@ashrafsahdan5606]

What a tune!

[@sleepflowers5052]

Because this song is so good 👍

[@emilyb3176]

I only just discovered this about 6 weeks ago😭 Ive never instantly loved a song as much as this. Thank you Thom & Jonny for 30ish years of outstanding music & to Thom for his remix of creep which made me like the song again after 30 yrs of disliking it😅❤

[@2daysany]

Energy lift 😋

[@christophes.1231]

les Smile un jour.. les Smile TOUJOURS ❣️...🤩

[@richardmoyse872]

Mind bending 🤯 also.... "Jonny splits his finger" should be your next song title

[@sparkletooth]

Sheeeeeeeeeeeit! That was sweet!!

[@GwenhwyfarB]

The first time I heard this, it woke me up and slapped me in the face.

[@mbalmor7143]

beautiful ahh song

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Fantastic ✨🎶

[@turnerdrywallrestoration8077]

Never stop stopping

[@llunarimusical]

Oh, Yes!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@bengordon2330]

If you're lucky enough to have the means and the time, seeing your favourite artist at Montreux Jazz in the Miles Davis Hall is a fantastic experience. I'd argue there's no other venue for rock that offers such clean sound. Two out of my three most memorable gig were there.

[@djtomt]

They are amazing. Goosebumps galore!

[@LieLikesMusic]

Love it.

[@Ludo_Liu]

Thanks a lot to share this with US Tom and Johnny ! greetings from a french guy watching from Nigeria

[@tazz4425]

tell me i'm not the one reading this comment "Tom and Jerry" lol

[@DailyNihilism]

@@tazz4425tom and jerry could drop a hot album

[@Iraklius777]

This man is Genius

[@andresymedio625]

my favorite from wall of eyes! amazing!

[@corinnetraynor1272]

Makes me cry to hear such beauty and talent

[@jameshannagan4256]

Jesus this song is great live I haven't heard it live.

[@susancoopet1900]

Fucking BEST SONG EVER!!!! Despite life's slings and arrows and it's winding roads, the signs and arrows telling you what to do, other people's opinions and pulling you in all directions, if you can Just HANG ON... and Tuuuuuurrrrn!!! And everything will work itself out. ❤ So completely bad ass!! 😮

[@nochannelson]

Its Hamlet.

[@Roddmend]

My favorite version ❤

[@2613-l3l]

Favourite song atm

[@GangesMode]

I’m honestly blown away by Thom’s bass playing. He has a great right hand touch, good dynamics. He gets a good sound. I can’t believe he can sing and play bass like that. I like that Johnny is playing a Les Paul and Thom an EB-1, because of the particular temperament, the scale length of those instruments. The drums are tuned excellent. I feel this song needs a bridge that is harmonically adventurous, modulates several times, and then comes back.

[@CrisWiloh]

I WAS WONDERING THIS LIVE VERSION, THKS FOR UPLOADING

[@EricWarren]

F-ing magical.

[@Z40S4]

For me I’m at about 30 years now of Radiohead, Thom, the smile, Johnny, I have so many life experiences with the music, it’s unreal it’s just so fukin good. This track is soundgarden nirvana I’m blown away again. Thank you for making brilliant music year after year….

[@AndressaLeite]

Masterpiece. Come to Brazil 🥰

[@LluisLanNesSocJo]

Sensacionals!!

[@huma2002]

Love it so much. My fav live of bending hectic.

[@matiascanobra-mg6qp]

merveille

[@brancomorales]

Gracias the smile, muchas gracias 🖤

[@InmaLafuenteGarcia]

What a marvellous performance by the three of them!

[@strangerthanfiction4014]

Wall of eyes is such a present. No RH album in sight and these 3 give me the best album since IR. It grows and grows and grows.

[@kohakustella]

Agree, been listening to it for a while and every damn time it feels better

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

Mesmerising and beautiful, as always from these 3 musical geniuses ❤

[@TedDanzig]

The hints of early Radiohead bside catalogue with the new ideas is pretty neat

[@hayleylongster4698]

My favourite song for about 10 years. The last one was Radiohead. The one before that was Radiohead. The one before that was......

[@ziggysawdust5407]

Taylor Swift, aye?

[@very_tall_dude]

Props to the audience for not ruining this masterpiece

[@rozawiatrova4526]

Goosebumps!