Yorke Admits Regret Over 'High And Dry' During Rolling Stone Interview With Styles
Thom Yorke told Harry Styles he wishes he had not written Radiohead's 1995 single 'High And Dry,' describing it as a conventional acoustic guitar song that does not align with his current artistic preferences. This admission emerged during a 'Musicians On Musicians' interview for Rolling Stone, where the two artists discussed their creative processes and the psychological impact of fame. Yorke expressed discomfort with traditional singer-songwriter formats, preferring electronic, film, and folk music, while Styles noted that Radiohead's 2025 live performances inspired his new album. The conversation also touched on Yorke's struggles with self-confidence following recent tours and his ongoing work on a new solo record.
Key points
- Yorke explicitly stated he wishes he had not written 'High And Dry,' calling it a conventional song featuring a guy with an acoustic guitar.
- Radiohead has not performed 'High And Dry' live since 1998, suggesting it is not among the band's favored tracks.
- Yorke explained that he prefers listening to electronic, film, and mad old folk music over traditional singer-songwriter formats.
- Styles cited Radiohead's 2025 live shows as an inspiration for his new album, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.'
- Yorke described a significant drop in self-confidence after recent Radiohead shows, which took two months to recover before he could start a new solo record.
- The interview took place in London as part of Rolling Stone's annual 'Musicians On Musicians' series.
Background
This interaction follows earlier coverage of a two-hour conversation between Styles and Yorke in London, where they discussed artistic reinvention and impostor syndrome. Yorke has been working on a new solo album, while Styles released an experimental record earlier in the year. The two artists previously met in Rome before attending a Smile concert, establishing a rapport that extended to public appearances like the Ivor Novello Songwriter Awards, where Styles honored Yorke.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the evolving nature of Radiohead's legacy and Yorke's personal artistic trajectory, moving away from conventional rock structures toward more experimental and electronic forms. It also illustrates the influence of Radiohead on contemporary pop artists like Styles, bridging generations of music through shared creative philosophies and the psychological challenges of fame.
What to watch
Yorke is expected to continue working on his new solo album, potentially incorporating the electronic and film music influences he cited. Styles may further explore the experimental themes from his recent album, possibly drawing on the collaborative dynamics discussed in the interview. Future performances by Radiohead or The Smile may continue to exclude 'High And Dry,' reflecting Yorke's stated preferences.
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