Thom Yorke performs Free In The Knowledge at the Royal Albert Hall

Thom Yorke performs Free In The Knowledge, a song from his new side project The Smile (with Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and Sons of Kemets' Tom Skinner) at the Royal Albert Hall, opening a very special Letters Live show.
This was Thom's first performance in front of a live audience since lockdown, and so was an extra special moment to open our return to this iconic venue.
For more about The Smile:
Instagram: / thesmiletheband
Twitter: / thesmiletheband
www.thesmiletheband.com/

[@foiegrastyle]

Classic Thom predicament: Listen #1: really pretty and haunting but not a banger Listen #60: I don’t know how to stop

[@jessicacrosby6608]

Absolute truth

[@Greencheezy0]

You know the world is in a bad way when Thom Yorke is being hopeful lol. What a beautiful song and message

[@jearanio_19]

🤣😂

[@Brandon-ik6ty]

Perfect comment

[@alantracy6757]

The mass vaccination is an absolute disaster bigger waves to come

[@valeriaromano2042]

🤣so true

[@Common_man_3]

Unfortunatly, we can see the world is in a bad way without Thom(

[@Bati_]

I personally think that Thom Yorke is one of the most brilliant songwriters in history. My personal favorite.

[@chickenmuffin]

Almost everyone agrees lol.

[@RomanZajats]

One of top 10

[@chickenmuffin]

@@RomanZajats Youre right, number one of the top 10.

[@stephenstrang590]

He's up there.

[@ErickArpeggi]

'Yesterday i woke sucking a lemon' confirms that

[@KennethTakanami]

He almost never speaks on stage or delivers a long intro to a song like this, nice to hear it.

[@Teeheehee093]

Usually he speaks gibberish or makes weird noises

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

@@bbqking3908 This is a recent development - Thom almost never spoke more than a couple sentences in a 2 hour live set. He's become more talkative in recent years. Especially in interviews, he seems more comfortable.

[@MM-vs2et]

He did say, it's the first time he's in front of an audience on stage in more than a year. I guess it was high time for an address

[@Oscar-by7mk]

now he do it bc he knows is old and he can dies soon

[@stevemuzak8526]

@@bbqking3908 He almost never speak at Radiohead shows. A few lines etc. PS: I have seen them 15 times.

[@doh4828]

I’m too young to have experienced the Beatles first hand, but Radiohead are my generation’s equivalent of them. No other band to leads me from contemplation to elation as they do.

[@MforMovesets]

I wonder what Thom would say to being compared to the Beatles. xD

[@Christian-97]

Aren't The Beatles one of the many influences of Radiohead? I think he would feel honored being compared to them.

[@renatomiranda1211]

@@Christian-97 who isn't influenced by them?

[@juliusd.2541]

Very well put.

[@Christian-97]

@@renatomiranda1211 Good question.

[@steveblacksbeatlescovers1847]

We are so lucky to be living in the time of Thom Yorke and Radiohead

[@Lilly-ih5ss]

I was very, very lucky to see this performance live. Genius.

[@pokjob]

Nice. Any other songs performed by Mr. Yorke?

[@Lilly-ih5ss]

@@pokjob sadly not. He did a reading later.

[@JoseWhon]

@@Lilly-ih5ss What was the reading?

[@seank9823]

@@JoseWhon He read a Tom waits poem I think.

[@sillyfatmoocow]

Wow! I would have cried being able to see this live, so powerful

[@San1984]

It's fascinating how his face and talking voice have matured but his singing voice is still absolutely the same

[@yushakapas]

Mmm you can hear the difference from 20+ years ago though

[@nihilistryanthegamefeline6940]

We are witnessing the slow physical metamorphosis of Thom Yorke into Willie Nelson. Hope he lives as long.

[@TheKrazysexykool]

I thought Gregg Allman at first but yes, Willie Nelson....

[@bobbykbobette7426]

And with Keanu Reeves clothes

[@leif22]

This had some Neil Young vibes. But probably a couple steps up.

[@eachday9538]

A Blade Runner style replicant of Willie Nelson

[@victorialevy349]

Can't you do better than that?

[@j0rdeh]

It's reassuring that people like Thom have moments where they feel might not be able do what they love anymore, and they still come back. Really needed to hear that, thank you Thom. Inside and outside the music, you're a huge inspiration for a lot of people.

[@nelsonfragoso5713]

Sinceramente não consigo ver nada diferente desse novo projeto de Thom Yorke do Radiohead.....o estilo e o mesmo...pura melancolia.....

[@luissm29]

Thom Yorke is like the Yoda of musicians... When you mess with us, this is what you get

[@Teeheehee093]

Barely a month goes by that we don't hear new music from Thom in some form these days We're spoiled

[@ryanmillward585]

only one radiohead album in the last ten years though...

[@MrThobias711]

Met that dude in New Orleans. Seriously cool and humble nice generous person. I've never been star struck like that before. He had an aura around him. He was like an alien. That man is touched.

[@kikijess0826]

I. Am. Seriously. Jealous.

[@TheSteevo123]

This man is the embodiment of a true musician.

[@wailer27]

such a dumb thing to say that he's literally the best musician on the planet... why can't you just enjoy a mediocre performance without having to exaggerate and get all hysterical... so pathetic

[@wailer27]

@@user-tk4hs5gv1i oh when did he pass away? i assume he must have done since you're so over emotional about how you feel about him and how he touched your soul with his presence... people don't normally go over the top like that about someone who's still alive

[@captainyowza8164]

@@wailer27 And another stupid post from you to shred. There is zero reason why whether someone's heart is beating should have a significant effect on how much their art is liked. I don't know ANYONE who behaves like that. A corpse can't magically make material greatly better and Ankit has exhibited no over the top behavior. Your claim that it's normal is absurd. You are a toolbag.

[@ab8jeh]

@@wailer27 nobody said that here. Merry Christmas.

[@wailer27]

@@captainyowza8164 that is quite some BS, as if everyone doesn't suddenly become a saint when they're gone and their achievements finally recognised only when it's too late. You'll find this out for your little self once you've grown up a bit and got a teeny weeny bit more experience. Now I need to get back to this Sharwama person and get them to admit how ridiculously pathetic and sycophantic they are being...

[@andrewgreen1970]

Even at 53 his high notes are so strong.

[@neilhampson]

I hope i look better than that at 53! He looks 73.

[@axelcalamaco1065]

@@neilhampson Its the beard lol

[@ricardojmestre]

@@neilhampson true, he looks like he suddenly got so much older

[@FutureAbe]

@@neilhampson not if you look at his skin

[@axelnilsson2031]

he looks like he's 100 years old man

[@erlineandrews]

He sounds settled into himself. Only took 53 years. 🙂

[@carolb6511]

That's how old Jerry Garcia was when he died. Happy that Thom made it.

[@lancejordan8634]

I’ve been going to Radiohead concerts since 95. The man is a global treasure

[@ArloQuilt]

What was your initial thought on Kid A?

[@lancejordan8634]

@@ArloQuilt : With all of their releases. I listen with an open mind. Inevitably it comes to me in waves. I also enjoy the fact that no two LP are the same. Oddly their music seems to have a somewhat therapeutic effect on me.

[@enigmaticx326]

The pre-eminent songwriter of our generation. Thom holds his own against the greats of the 60s and 70s and frankly has no peers in contemporary music. We’re lucky to have him.

[@Patrick-id9uq]

Julian Casablancas should be up there, too. His work with The Strokes and The Voidz is significant and influential on many of the modern indie/garage bands of today.

[@Patrick-id9uq]

@@theamazingbrokenman I respectfully disagree but of course I love both

[@AG-lm5uf]

@@Patrick-id9uq I agree. The Voidz just hasn’t gotten exposure.

[@renatomiranda1211]

@@Patrick-id9uqYorke is way more above.

[@MrShahid0072]

@@Patrick-id9uq I agree.. Julian is doing something pretty interesting with The Voidz. Even the The Strokes are going pretty strong.

[@linaresstudios3470]

LYRICS / LETRA: Free in the knowledge That one day this will end Free in the knowledge Everything is change And this is just a bad moment We are fumbling around We won’t get caught like that Soldiers on our backs We won’t get caught like that Face using fear Try to keep control But when we get together Well then, who knows And this is just a bad moment We are fumbling around We won’t get caught like that Soldiers on our backs We won’t get caught like that I talk to the face in the mirror But he can't get through I said it's time that you deliver 'Cause we see through you I talk to the face in the mirror But he can't get through Turns out we’re in this together Both me and you

[@pedrolupincantoredaquimica1235]

vlw meu garoto!

[@matheussonicorlandi]

valeu de mais

[@spunky0201]

Thanks for these. It sounds like he sings "everything is change" rather than "changed", though, and I think that fits the message of the song better. I may be wrong. What do you think?

[@blindsided63]

@@spunky0201 yes he does

[@linaresstudios3470]

@@spunky0201 Yes, it's very possible that part of the letter is wrong, that was the one I found in Genius. I'm not a native speaker either

[@tefalos2155]

Mr. Yorke is on it again, pulling out masterpieces from his brilliant pocket of a mind

[@dixonpinfold2582]

He's clearly run out of gas.

[@QKvox]

@@dixonpinfold2582much the opposite

[@MrK-ti5lt]

What a terrifying thought...Thom never performing on stage again. So glad to see him up there and to share yet more beautiful music. One of the few high points of 2020 during lockdown was when I texted my friend "You know...I bet Thom Yorke is going to do something amazing during this time..." He agreed and today I got to hear validation of that hope! Thanks Thom and welcome back!

[@carolb6511]

I was more worried that we would never see ANY musician on stage again. And some people are still locked out of performances because of vaccine mandate segregation.

[@richardtanguy3886]

It’s like listening to “ the needle and the damage done “ for the first time .. pure emotion

[@leif22]

Definitely Neil Young vibes

[@menno1593]

It is

[@Kriegsgefangener31]

My first impression exactly..... Tonight, I'm going to be Neil Young.

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

This song starts off and I am not sure, but when Thom gets to that man in the mirror thing, I find my heart just gripped and usually tears running down my face. I have listened to the album version at least 15 times now, and the same thing keeps happening. And then on the album it slides into A Hairdryer. Just perfect.

[@TrumpetChica79]

Damn. 😭I'm not an emotionally expressive person but Thom can always reduce me to tears. I think we all aged beyond our years the past 2 years of covid lockdowns and anxiety.

[@andrefelipe8468]

Outstanding. It's difficult to imagine a world without him. I personally think Thom one of the best songwriters and composer in the history. Pace and love legend, stay strong.

[@LuisOliva95]

Can't believe Thom Yorke is the first artist in the history of mankind.

[@galas062]

bollocks...get a grip mate!

[@kaithecactus3714]

@@galas062 i think he's joking

[@someguy315]

Lmao

[@no_talking]

🤣

[@SnowWhite-dr6xh]

Yep. And yours was the first KZbin comment in the history of man kind.

[@jazznolan]

The 20 seconds of the guitar start....just genius

[@inachos5759]

need that album

[@rdlalor8767]

It's rare to see Thom get up to play a song dedicated to music. Legend.

[@leolencina8048]

The look on Thom's face as he gets more comfortable playing is priceless

[@ianphillips898]

I suggested to some friends recently that Radiohead’s music may be one of the only facets of the current musical era that has the chance of the longevity and continued relevance of classical music.

[@-doggy-6670]

Good call👍

[@MissHeathen]

Yorke is incredible and I never get tired of hearing his work as he's a huge influence on me creatively. Masterful as always.

[@jacktebbl]

Agreed.

[@pmbear]

There is just something about Thom working that OP-1 at the start that has me totally chuffed… 🎹 but really… this song truly evokes tears…

[@nakari7307]

The more he ages, the more some of his songs have a Neil Young flavor

[@bornon18]

Hearing Thom Yorke sing is probably the closest thing to being in heaven. What a genius of a songwriter, musician and, of course, a singer.

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

It sounds as if we both feel the same about Mr Yorke. Love to contact you sometime ❤️😘

[@jessicacrosby6608]

Can't agree more

[@Nomaaaa123]

We all need this quality

[@bulkyzero]

AMEN. He ages like wine.

[@isaactorres1050]

he is surely one of the greatest artists in history, what he has done for music is otherworldly, a true genius, even after several generations, he still doing mind blowing stuff. Long Live Thom!

[@jesserivas1387]

Radiohead has been my favorite band since the beginning. There’s a lot of great bands out there, but nothing that compares to them!

[@CalumnMcAulay]

Still creating heart wrenching beautiful music after all these years.

[@gl9007]

Quand le monde s’agite de plus en plus et verse à chaque instant un peu plus dans l’artificiel, Thom Yorke reste fidèle au sens, à l’art, à la création, à la beauté et à la sincérité. Grand merci à lui.

[@junkyarddog303]

This man is one of the greatest musicians of all time. Great song, beautiful performance ❤️

[@thomasarcher4792]

Thank you Thom Yorke! I pray more and more people understand and believe what your lyrics are saying. Cheers!

[@AngelicusImmortus]

A true, pure icon.

[@ViolentViolet_]

My beautiful beautiful friend. You’ll always be in my heart, I hope you never leave this world. You’ve been my emotional support for 15 years and I do feel like when you leave, a piece of me will too. You’ll always have a home in my head, yet you’ll never know You have blessed this world with something that it never deserved. Never change Thom.

[@guitarshredz666]

This is more of a message than a song but its brilliantly true. Gave me goose bumbs

[@brianrossiter2547]

It's definitely a song

[@MarkStevens8899]

Such a beautiful voice,full of the sadness of this world.

[@DRAZA247]

This man is the best.

[@Iceike04]

Can't wait to see what The smile holds

[@freeman5885]

So happy to see Thom come out and make this statement on the right side of history. My respect for him and his music grows deeper💪🏽

[@ctwofirst6635]

Indeed, especially considering the high price so many of us have paid for speaking out. I lost every friend I had because of my stance.

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

I feel so lucky to have lived this past twenty years with Radiohead, and Thom Yorke and all the musicians that play alongside him, in my lifetime. Such beautiful music. Thom just keeps amazing me because every song he releases is better than the previous one......!! Only Thom can do it!!!

[@steelcityspeedshopj.r6942]

The first time I picked up a Radiohead album. Was 1997, my 13 year old self was just smitten with this band I have discovered. Well, I’m from the states. So back then I never got the chance to see them and or Thom . Fast Forward to 2023 . 26 years into my Thom Yorke / Radiohead love affair. July 10th. I got to see the smile. And it was just about the most amazing show I’ve ever seen. I finally got to see my Hero . Thank you and what an amazing show. I’m still processing what I saw that night. All I know is I will have memory of that experience the rest of my life. I’m glad it took me til 39 to see this man. Worth every moment , day, month, year & decade waiting .

[@alan83p]

Thom Yorke, our oxygen in the times.

[@garethmartyndavies2250]

Quality guy , what a spirit ! One day Thom will sing this in front of a massive crowd with Jonny & Co 🙌

[@andrewrhodes6960]

Thankyou Thom. Needed to hear that. Feel so bad for smaller bands who are scared to speak up🤍

[@ctwofirst6635]

Or the famous musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell who were traitors to the spirit of music. And to think that those two were heroes of mine when I was growing up in the 70s. Heartbreaking.

[@leebishop7591]

probably going to listen to this 50 times today or until i get the studio version.

[@wysiwygdies]

and this is just a bad moment...

[@chamele0nday]

how on earth can this voice come out of this man!????????? absolutely spectacular

[@robanderson1722]

His voice is actually getting better.

[@sillyfatmoocow]

Wow! One of the most powerful performances I have ever seen, tears in my eyes, really speaks to the world about what we are all going through! Could not have put it in better words, Thom Yorke in one of the worlds best writers we will ever witness.

[@someguymakingvideoz9854]

His voice is just angelic

[@paulmusson8430]

This man never ever fails to move and amaze me. Yet another, utterly beautiful masterpiece. We are so lucky to have him!

[@Chrisfish-Eyes]

Extraordinarily wonderful. singer-songwriter is a wonderful musician of humanity. What a voice .... what human warmth .... The poetic champion Simple beautiful 🙏 Thank you very much Tom and keep writing us and performing wonderful songs. Take care of yourself and above all take care of yourself.

[@hojung8945]

It's nice to see Thom using OP-1. Really makes me want to get one, again...

[@artiemilano378]

Is it worth getting if I’m not experienced with controllers and whatnot but at the same time have a wonderful range in creating good sounds and compositions?

[@mrspiral13]

I love Thom with all my soul.

[@wailer27]

and he doesn't even know of your existence

[@mrspiral13]

@@wailer27 I don't need him to know my existence.

[@wailer27]

@@mrspiral13 just warning you not to get too obsessed with fruitless infatuations (for your own good)

[@mrspiral13]

@@wailer27 it's not obsession, it's love, and it helps with my mental health. thanks for the concern!

[@wailer27]

@@mrspiral13 from now on I will help you with that and NOBODY else... so mr millennial attention seeker, tell me everything

[@syqqe]

It distresses me to think that this artist is a human more victim of time, I would like to believe that he will live forever.

[@commonsense9535]

I'm happy to know The Smile wrote more tracks than were played at the not Glastonbury show. Most of those songs are unbelievably original for Thom and Johnny compositions. I've had my fingers crossed for more music ever since the debut.

[@connorjoseph6565]

Omg the OP-1 is so beautiful. Want one

[@kevindoherty9567]

Saw Thom and The Smile in SF. Awesome! Hope to see Radiohead someday. :)

[@harryturnbull963]

Thom is a treasure to us all. It's liberating to see him hold this torturous moment with clarity and nuance. His expression has truly (en)lightened my life. Boris will be retrained soon, but never you! To many more years!

[@lucassimpson3961]

"The Bends" is in my top 5 favorite cd's. From start to finish.... masterpiece!

[@isleofskye8073]

Why the bends Listen to a real great album like kol or amsp And yes the bends was my favorite album at one point I like to think I've grown

[@LunaVictoria9]

What if he has grown beyond that? Not thinking what album you like says anything about how you are as a person? AMSP is my personal favorite album of theirs. But i don't take pride in that the same way you do. I have grown.

[@rockstarpp38]

What a wonderful musician and songwriter is Thom. Full of emotions and sensibility.

[@amindfulcounselor]

Greatest and most innovative artist of our time. No doubt in my mind. He has shaped me as a human being.

[@robturner783]

Love the Neil Young like quality this song has

[@TheKrazysexykool]

Neil Young with a smidge of Pink Floyd there in the beginning

[@rainardzulfanp319]

This is going to be one of the songs ever

[@chickenmuffin]

Yes it is lol.

[@paulhallas9649]

This is definetly one of the songs

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

Isn't it odd how they do?

[@TheBundyboy66]

Spine chillingly AWESOME! Can't wait for the Smile's album to drop.

[@MrChrisStingray]

Thom Yorke is from another planet. Amazing

[@valleysofneptune]

Great performance, Thom is a very important part of music and I hope he continues to provide comfort and solice

[@izzyhezz]

so beautiful. I'm crying. Why can't humans be better? Thank you Tom for this beautiful song

[@purplemascara99]

This is a gem of a song...made me cry 😭😭😭😭

[@xerotonin6776]

How are we to know what's right if we don't see what's wrong?

[@Roger_Ramjet]

There are some decent humans out there. You just don't hear much about them. Assholes tend to make the headlines.

[@MrTiagoWelter]

I'm glad for him to be back on a stage after the pandemic.

[@Zensjo]

Soldiers on our beds... a face using fear trying to keep control... turns out we’re in this together... both me and you. Thanks Thom for helping out with this song. Beautiful 🙏🏽🌏🕊💕✌🏽💝

[@johnparson4392]

It's 'Soldiers on our backs'

[@carolb6511]

@@johnparson4392 Like the boot on humanity's face. An Orwell reference, perhaps.

[@davidmaraisthecampfireguit2596]

Gorgeous and sublime genius. Stay strong, Thom. We love you.

[@danielmgalhaes]

This is a truly healing song for these times. Thanks again Thom, I owe you the world.

[@sherrinunya4079]

Absolute lovely man and delightful singer & wordsmith.

[@B3ING1984]

I love this tune and Thom Yorke is the shit! Made me tear up for humanity. Listen to the lines closely...Thom is on the right side of history.

[@SoberHusky]

He is starting to convey some true Neil Young vibes here.

[@guluf]

Exactly my thoughts ♥️

[@keittven]

This man should start a band

[@WhenHerbSpeaks]

The man is *a band*.

[@EricMohawk182]

He did, started new band “The Smile”

[@naksu444]

Script off

[@llucalcari]

It’s always good to see Thom

[@lokalaw]

what a lucky audiences to be there

[@zxj9638]

His voice and spirit always touch my heart and life.

[@biipolaar]

There are reassuring people, people who accompany us in our life, during a short moment in the history of the world that we have the chance to share, some of them end up disappearing some are still there. Thom yorke is one of them, already eternal, always reassuring.

[@aracristina7435]

I feel the same way.

[@brettbartletti7847]

Radiohead is my favorite ever. That says a lot considering I love The Beatles and Floyd.

[@paulp9132]

Some Neil Young and Frusciante in there... Nice and simple, straightforward. I generally enjoy Yorke's more elusive, hermetic and mysteriously dreamy lyrics, but an explicit, hopeful folksong such as this is indeed a dying breed, most needed during these dark times.

[@jazznolan]

Beyond genius peerless iconic sheer transcendental stuff

[@PentUpPentatonics]

One of the best things he's ever written

[@heathercrosby6493]

How fitting is this beautiful song for right now and always. Thank you Thom and good to see you again.

[@germaincarnavet6248]

Long time now i am wondering how artists around rhe world can help denonciate this whole situation we are all going trough. Thanks Thom for this wonderful cocktail of pure talent and serious bolocks ... You are MAGIC!!

[@toninoantxoa]

Tom es único y maravillosamente excepcional. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@clockdockfree]

God I love a nice pop chorus coming out of this man. He has such a great capacity for memorable, emotional, and catchy music. Excited to see more of it.

[@user-bg4nr9zz5c]

日本からも応援しています。あなたの歌声は癒し効果があって裏声もとても綺麗です。

[@andreydedov5867]

Finally. Thanks.

[@Catty1985]

LEGEND.