Thom Yorke on Neil Young (Interview, raw footage)

This interview was conducted by Mark Cooper, Creative Head at BBC Music Entertainment, on january 27th 2008 at the BBC TV Centre in London. Sections from this interview were supposed to be used in "Don't Be Denied", a documentary on Neil Young. In the end, the footage went complete unused, and only 2 brief excerpts were posted on the BBC website. Mark Cooper has kindly agreed to make the unedited footage available for my Radiohead fansite (citizeninsane.eu). Thanks go also to Radiohead's manager Chris Hufford, who gave his blessing after comsulting with Thom. Neil Young was and is one of the strongest influences on Thom as a songwriter and singer, so this in-depth interview is quite something. Enjoy!

[@itchywitch]

Thom Yorke and the rest of Radiohead are some of the most decent, respectable individuals in the music industry. They don't just make great music they are good people too. Not your typical rockstars.

[@rachelvillarim3279]

Exacly

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

Not greedy either. Some of their music they give for free. How many other bands do that..... Not many!!!

[@samirar1990]

@@sudanbewaobdedebo Exactly, In rainbows was a masterpice

[@alphalax7747]

Not knowing the name of the others is a L

[@crumbtember]

I agreed until the pro Israel bs

[@1dogsmusic]

"Lack of sleep is one of my biggest influences." -Thom Yorke

[@swaggypanda1808]

Nate Grain and now he is so supportive of sleep, amazing to hear the types of music he has made whilst comparing it with the amount of sleep he was getting

[@incredulouslamias8052]

Like The al Pacino movie insomnia

[@Traumm9]

Richard D. James said something very similar

[@nupreznz]

Reading this at 2 am makes me feel better

[@The-Dom]

@@nupreznz "You're going to need more drugs." -Thom Yorke

[@philipgior3312]

This dude is always generous in his praise for other artists. I like that, it shows class.

[@iamboomer.4673]

he called Jim Morrison fat,ugly, and dead so no,he's not generous he just knows what he likes.

[@incredulouslamias8052]

Jim and Syd were destroyed by drugs Nonetheless Their contribution to music isn’t meaningless

[@rachelvillarim3279]

i am boomer. No . In anyone can play guitar he meant it as if him being morrison would be fat ugly dead,not morrison himself . Got it ?

[@Aardvarked88]

@@rachelvillarim3279 "The second verse is ‘I wanna be Jim Morrison’ and I’ve got this pathological disrespect for Jim Morrison and the whole myth that surrounds Jim Morrison, simply because it affects and has affected the people in bands and in the rock business, in that they think they have to act like fucking prats in order to live up to the legend." "Jim Morrison’s a fat, talentless bastard and he’s dead. And none of that means anything, It’s more important just to have your own voice within the business than to live up to this thing that you’re supposed to live up to. " Direct quotes.

[@jgfunk]

He gives massive props to the Pixies

[@jumpinpizza]

Every brilliant songwriter recognizes Young's genius.

[@ThiagodMoraes]

Yep up to know it is a big list (Thom,Eddie vedder,Kurt Cobain,Pete Towshend,Michael Stype,Michael hutchence,Paul McCartney,Elton John,Bob Dylan,Joni Cash,etc..)

[@boosh90]

A lot of us average ones do too 😋

[@Johnnywhamo]

A huge part of that genius comes from Jonny Greenwood...that's a fact.

[@jake9654]

@@ThiagodMoraes even roger waters of pink floyd praises him

[@MadlyDecent]

I love his eye, it's like the crack in the liberty bell.

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

wow, so beautiful and precise, I hope you have a great writing career:-)

[@davemenard5089]

Such a good way to put it. This I will use.

[@maryparks9186]

do your research before you bash thom yorke on substance abuse in a public forum. Thom Yorke was born with his left eye completely closed. as and infant and young adolescent he had over 7 painful eye surgeries. the eye was paralyzed. as a child he wore an eye patch and was teased by classmates. he has a lazy eye. period. ever wondered why he's the most amazing musician in the world? its not from substance abuse. he is brilliant. get your facts before you slander a man in a public forum

[@kirkstable]

Can you be my friend too? Bravo

[@kimbaptempura4073]

Fuck Thom Yorke, this hipster douchebag is insanely over rated....his music SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.

[@1009dbarry]

@@kimbaptempura4073 Any particular reason you are here?

[@pighater951]

Shut up I'll bash any one 😒🤔😊🙂🤫🤫

[@nunogoncalves1802]

@@kimbaptempura4073 here... have a biscuit. I'll walk you out in a minute so that you can take a piss outside and then go back to your box.

[@patrickcrawford6392]

I'm so glad Thom loves Neil just as much as I do!

[@standingtall1074]

+patrick crawford He's a Drone.

[@MidnaBoa]

The way he describes Neil’s voice is exactly my thoughts on Thom’s voice. I adore his voice, because there’s no filter. It’s just purely what comes out naturally. It’s finding that flow, and not questioning it. I think it’s a special quality that is really beautiful.

[@defragsbin]

Agreed. Some of the most distinctive singers aren't considered classically 'good'. However, their voices are unique -- it's like they've got their very own instrument that nobody else can ever borrow. One phrase and you know it's them. How cool is that? Meanwhile there's countless 'good' singers out there, but they're largely interchangeable / anonymous. As David Byrne said, "The better a singer's voice, the harder it is to believe what they're saying".

[@tinkaward6921]

I haven't seen too many interviews with Thom Yorke, but what I've noticed with all of them is that Thom always tries to give honest answers and not pretending something, which unfortunately a lot of musicians do. That makes him very sympathetic to me, regardless of his music (which I appreciate very much).

[@westofthetracks]

Finally some relief for the fans who were wondering... a question Neil CHOSE to answer (out of countless questions submitted) in a recent Twitter interview: "Do you like Radiohead?" Neil: "Yes."

[@moonlikemusic]

Things Thom says about Neil Young, I would say about himself and how he is affecting me as a musicians and how his voice is my inspiration as a singer. It's pretty cool!

[@pstrokeslibsarctic]

0:26 the extraterrestrial creature inside Thom wanted to come out

[@helterskelter2927]

The Subterranean Homesick Alien has had enough, it wants out.

[@WatsDaWurd]

i think it's really cool seeing thom yorke feel about another artist the same way we feel about him.

[@julyarchives]

Thom Yorke and the band Radiohead in my mind have put out some of the best albums of all time .Like Neil Young Thom is a man of humility and artistic brilliance .Long may he run.

[@rachelvillarim3279]

Long may this genious run !

[@liadcohen8327]

I love when he refers to Pearl Jam as "The Pearl Jam Band." LOL

[@michaelmoraga2926]

aka 'Pearl Jam without Eddie Vedder' ; )

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

sniff... jeez, what's that beastly Dame Judy?.. oh, Pearl Jam, righto.

[@cringe4173]

I love how he slowly loses more clothes

[@kristiandoon8976]

An honest artist who works to be true to the process is admirable

[@jeanwillis7774]

For me..Neil Young live at Massey Hall( Toronto,Canada) is epic...acoustic guitar and piano in the early 70s....It’s so good to know that Thom loves Neil...they’re both icons xx

[@Ed30675]

Agreed... Two of my favourite artists...

[@DiamondLifer]

“Sail To The Moon” and “Daydreaming” really showcase Young’s influence on Thom’s frail tambour voicing. I always wondered and now I know. ❤️

[@zackzallie8735]

The song A Punchup at a Wedding has the Neil Young influence all over it.

[@SIGHBOY6]

lol id like to see more interviews like this. Long interviews with musicians discussing one artist they love.

[@kkik1382]

I love his talking voice,it's so calming ;_;

[@ZyKLonBē]

My dad turned me on to Neil Young in my early 20’s. He gave me the dvd Rust Never Sleeps. I couldn’t stop watching it lol. I must have watched that concert like 50 times. Really thankful for that dad. Love you

[@johndef5075]

Crazy Horse is nice! Fantastic album.

[@incredulouslamias8052]

Philadelphia is heart crushing beautiful song

[@mikephalen3162]

Cheers to that. But 50 times watching the DVD meant you were ignoring his albums like Harvest, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, and the rest.

[@ZyKLonBē]

@@mikephalen3162 I not sure if I’ve heard all the songs on the other albums. But if it’s Neil Young I’m sure they’re all great. I’d say he’s probably one of the greatest song writers that came out of that generation.

[@joeldukes303]

Rust never Sleeps is ace

[@Befuggled]

Thom's visible torment during the small talk about Mondays and Fridays at the beginning is so tangible. Totally agree with his observations of "Cortez the Killer" on "Weld", my favourite track on the double album.

[@hamburgerdan101]

That could have been a genuine discussion about preferred days of the week

[@papayer]

I'm jealous of the dude who stepped in to fix the microphone he got to touch him so much

[@jasonlefler3456]

When Thom mentions that you have to be obstinate as a songwriter, I can't help but think that the obstinacy is only in relation to how many people are trying to shape you in some way that isn't what you are as an artist and a person. If everyone's trying to kill you in a war zone, your jumpiness and terror is a response, not who you are. Not everyone is equipped to withstand the pressure to alter creativity to the needs of the market. Such pressure makes a lot of people withdraw. Some artists can laugh in the face of the pressures and do as they please. It has to be so hard to not just be creative but brilliant on command, let alone to have non-creative personnel pushing you around all the time.

[@thelucyringyoutube]

you're the man jason ;)

[@jasonlefler3456]

The Lucy Ring Thank you, The Lucy Ring. I don't know if I'm the man but I know you're the real MVP...

[@KristaWaple]

Well said!

[@rohanroll]

Man, that was brilliant, incisive and true. Hands down. 👏👏👏

[@juliusd.2541]

One of my favorite musicians talking about one of my favorite musicians. Both of their music changed my life.

[@Krnflakgrl71]

This interview is brilliant. Holy balls, I love this man.

[@backstarfalco27]

I actually really love his eye I can really appreciate the fact that there are people who may look different but there brillance shimes above all so even a couple of surface flaws become beautiful.

[@alaskaminnie644]

Samual Thomas Swain AMEN

[@lauriejanes6511]

No offense, but why do we always refer to something different about people as a flaw? Maybe that’s just the way he’s supposed to be. I was born with part of my right arm missing and it doesn’t bother me at all and it really bugs me when people say things like, “you do so well in spite of your handicap.“ And I say, “that’s not a handicap, that’s my right arm.“ It’s not a mistake, it’s not a flaw, it’s just something different. And thank God for differences. Viva la difference, as I believe the French say.

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

he looks like ODIN who gave away his 1 eye for knowledge and foresight

[@willdenham]

I never considered it before but now I see it, there is a very strong connection and similarity with Young and Thom, especially in vocal approach. A lot of raw tenderness and vulnerability as well as the shifting dynamic between fierce electric and subtle acoustic.

[@christopherecatalano]

So great to hear such a great artist reflecting on one of the great masters.❤️

[@pajotrus]

21:37 you did it, Thom and you're still doing it

[@rachelvillarim3279]

YESSSSS

[@lisab4049]

awwwe I miss lil scruffy awkward thom

[@martinet1985]

yesssss

[@buckleygeneration]

Lisa M I can’t speak about awkward as of right now, but he is definitely still scruffy.

[@SuperStrik9]

Neil Young and Radiohead are both great artists.

[@the_musiccellar]

I knew Thom was a fan but had never thought about how their voices were similar

[@piperjo99]

I've seen bits of this interview in the past, but to see an unedited interview with Thom is awesome. I could sit and listen to him talk about his favorite music and inspiration all day and night!

[@tobiashudson4074]

When Thom says "dreamer" at the start of daydreaming I'm always reminded of Neil.

[@Liabelle1]

Thank you so much for uploading this. I've always thought Thom Yorke's voice had certain nuances of Neil Young. This interview confirms his influence.

[@jerrychetty2524]

Thom Yorke is encapsulating exactly what I thought and feel about Neil young a man who goes with what he feels in his heart, nothing artificially manufactured-totally authentic and real

[@domenicgalata1470]

Neil Young played in a band with Rick James in Toronto while James was avoiding the draft and prior to Neil leaving for LA. How fucking cool is Neil Young man. His performance at Massey Hall in 71 is stunning.

[@theWuWeiWay]

Thom put in words everything we musicians and composers love and think about Neil's...

[@ryandonnelly4396]

Great Artist talking about a Legend. Brilliant video.

[@AlexColberg]

My one wish from the genie in the bottle is to have a 3-hour conversation about Neil Young with this guy. Drinks included.

[@bigpp645]

Genie let out of the bottle, it is now the witching hour...

[@GreenshieldKnight]

you both end up singing 'only love can break your heart' blind drunk hahaha

[@elcanboysproject8206]

Thom doesn't drink (much), but i bet i would be fun to get crossed up and then try to stay in focus with Thom's meanderings!

[@RECYCLEsavethefishiniceland]

@@elcanboysproject8206 yes he does or he did at least whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@siavash2c]

you're beautiful Thom York..

[@85Dreaming]

"apart from R.E.M, Neil Young has absolutely inspired everything, the way I write lyrics, it comes up everyday in my head,all the time, this sort of simplicity and the Being true to yourself thing. It's just a constant reminder in my head that how u could hit like three chords in the guitar and the stuff that’s in the back of your mind comes out.And that’s it. That’s all u need. You don’t need anything else. So when I met him I wanted to say all that stuff and then just got drunk and went ga-ga"

[@EarthBound2010]

Thom Yorke - My hero

[@ischuyt]

The sound quality in this interview is stellar. Nice recording.

[@ethanuncensored]

There's something about listening to one of your music idols idolize another of your music idols.

[@natewilliams1062]

Art is challenging to speak on. Love his take on being talented enough to know what to throw away. Especially coming from Radiohead’s frontman. Most folks hear add ons. I hear the exact right amount of chiseling. However, I AM an undeniable snob....so there’s that.

[@dylandenney3980]

Its kind of interesting to me that so many people prefer either Neil's acoustic stuff or his Crazy Horse stuff. I don't have a preference I love them equally. And I really love when I can have both together like the short acoustic set from Year of the Horse

[@mysticfellow9843]

he thinks before he speaks

[@KodexAnimations]

No matter how Thom dresses or looks, he always looks Cool..

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Wonderfully revealing about both Thom Yorke and Neil Young.

[@okaywell1]

he's so cute and weird he reminds me of my philosophy teacher back in highschool. he was a great man

[@ProgressiveMCZ]

love both of them. Most talented,creative,passionate and sensitive musicians EVER!

[@damonarvid3548]

A fascinating train of thought. Great interview, the art of letting the artist speak.

[@synthelabo]

i always loved the fact that he has one eye that is more opened than the other :)

[@gildorgjunior]

A brilliantly refreshing interview!

[@helterskelter2927]

I have no idea how Thom manages to look great no matter what his hair is doing.

[@JM-co6rf]

glad he gave up and just let it go long

[@dogol284]

This is favorite look of Thom.

[@Who-qn5fl]

i just like to listen him talk...his voice is so extraordinary.

[@NailFactoryProds]

What a great, unique interview

[@PerformanceArt19]

Maybe…maybe..the best of the best of all time

[@Bubblesx8]

Thom is honest clever and you can see he was uncomfortable in the beginning due to wasted words about what days are ones favorite. I lol as he looked bemused. As I love Neil Young especially harvest moon, I loved what Thom said about inspiring him. Love you Thom radiohead is brilliant 👏 xx

[@MissVonutube]

Thomas "Thom" Edward Yorke. English musician and singer-songwriter. Lead vocalist and principal songwriter of the rock band Radiohead. He mainly plays guitar and piano, but has also played drums and bass guitar (notably during the Kid A and Amnesiac sessions). In July 2006, he released his debut solo album, The Eraser...

[@SG-yu6em]

Such a musical icon. Thank you for all your art Thom, I would be a very different person without it ❤

[@85Dreaming]

Thom you are a force of nature!

[@BrandOdyssey]

One brilliant songwriter providing insight on another brilliant songwriter.

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

I love how Thom takes off the mic in the end, the lights go off too, Thom is leaving his chair and the journalist keeps talking in the dark... He must have gone crazy:-)

[@sovjetvodka]

Haha, that was the funniest thing in a long time!

[@sbingham1979]

This is a fascinating interview: I loved it. Thank you so, so much for posting this.

[@MrSavvy91]

i hear what your saying, he's my absolute favorite artist and Thom Yorke is viewing it as a listener just like any of us instead of another musician just being inspired.

[@johnhaase1358]

Thanks so much for posting this. It is so pure, so artistic, about one great songwriter explaining how another has inspired him and his writing. That was an excellent point/positive moment for Thom to admit his voice "sounded like shit" and then to listen to Neil and get the positive message about his own. I have been a Neil Young fan for forty years. I have been a Radiohead fan for about four. (Showing my age) and yet when I heard them -Thom's voice and lyrics, something clicked. Now I know why

[@SuperStrik9]

A Neil Young/Radiohead or a Neil Young/Thom Yorke collaboration would be awesome imo.

[@KillYourTeeVee]

i love neil's music but radiohead changed my life..

[@camhouser4507]

Thank you for sharing this

[@aprilpritchard1213]

thank you for posting this interview!

[@diannaallaman3407]

Thom, Thom Thom..a glimpse into the creative processes of iconic artists. Be able to be in the moment, open and free. Communicate powerful messages with great sensitivity. Just let it happen - cool.

[@mooduwu007]

0:26 the supreme god of music making his face beautifull

[@Datpleb]

this is how all interviews should be shown. damn you TV people with all your chopping up and editing.

[@lowfidelity499]

10:31 okay

[@BlueprintsForHeadaches]

Low Fidelity I looked pissed 😡

[@snowi4709]

ᵒᵏᵃʸ

[@rachelvillarim3279]

v: d:c 🤣

[@maotse-tung4438]

@@rachelvillarim3279 Sweet Trip?

[@caribouwho]

artist talking about an artist. I love it. Thanks.

[@Scotlanz]

Nice interview. I saw Neil Young and Dylan in Kilkenny two days ago. I was in a supermarket before the gig and I saw a muso looking guy at the ATM. He was all in black with a power pack on his belt. I joked that he might sneak me in and he just smiled. Turns out he was Neil Young's guitar tech. He was onstage swapping out guitars all through the show. Jesus, I wished I'd shook his hand just so I could say I shook the hand that has handled some of the world's most iconic guitars.

[@moxom]

Amazing interview - thanks for posting this =)

[@SergeyGorbikov]

Many thanks. Great interview.

[@pedroprovan4046]

a great time as any to remember what Neil has brought to the table, all these years

[@JustOneQuestionWhy]

I could sit and listen to him talk forever. He is a god among men.

[@lookoutjoer]

Thanks for posting this interview.

[@gelbach1]

How beautiful it is to find out that my second most beloved artist admirer my 1st an most beloved artist at least as much as I do. Indeed he is a true force of nature!

[@gregorylecouvey3192]

Such a great and loveful answer!

[@bruceh92]

Great guy Yorke to take time to field all these questions about another artist.

[@camger0014]

I love this guy... And Neil Young is the very reason i own an acoustic guitar

[@m9shamalan]

i love seeing unedited footage. always so interesting to see the context in which these interviews take place.

[@justinchamberlain3443]

10:01 hearing a song in your head and having to follow it is the foundation of writing music

[@gelbach1]

'force of nature' was my exact word describing neil young live performance.

[@DickonThompson]

Like, say, a hurricane?(!)

[@afarone1]

awesome interview a great singer talking about another great singer

[@Muldfeld]

Thanks for posting this, Wonsaponatime!

[@rickylawrence3171]

Neil Young came out of left field when I was sixteen. This random country disc my Dad had suddenly had a monumental impact. There I was thinking I was a punk rocker. Natural Beauty - put down your beer son.

[@Man_Ray78]

That mike is perfect and that guy always terrorizing the moment,😁 That's just so well described by Thom. The best live performances are a channel for a force of nature.

[@ThiefOfBaghdad]

was waiting for a "On A Friday" joke at the start lol

[@billybees3796]

Love Neil love Thom's face expressions love music

[@thekarachannel4281]

This interview is too funny with the costume changes. Yes, Neil is a force of nature.