Classic Rock Covers Database & Infographics: Radiohead Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (1993--2016)

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Radiohead Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (1993--2016)

Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)

Radiohead - The King of Limbs (2011)

Radiohead: A Complete Overview

Band Biography

Radiohead is an English alternative rock band formed in 1985 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England. Known for their experimental sound, innovative production, and politically charged lyrics, they have become one of the most influential bands in modern music. Initially gaining attention with their 1992 single Creep, Radiohead quickly evolved into pioneers of art rock, electronic, and experimental music. They are known for blending rock instrumentation with electronic textures and unconventional song structures.

The band members are: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, and Philip Selway. Their music often explores themes of alienation, societal critique, technology, and human emotion.

Members’ Bios

Thom Yorke (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano)

Full Name: Thomas Edward Yorke
Born: October 7, 1968, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England
Early Life: Raised in a middle-class family, Yorke grew up interested in music and drama. He studied at Abingdon School, where he met future bandmates.
Education: Studied English and Fine Arts at Exeter University but left to focus on music.
Family: Married to Rachel Owen (1995–2015, her passing), two sons – Noah and Agnes.
Fun Facts:

Yorke is a political activist and environmental advocate.
He is known for his distinctive falsetto and emotive voice.
Did you know? He practices falconry and is a passionate bird watcher.

Jonny Greenwood (Lead Guitar, Keyboard, Multi-instrumentalist)

Full Name: Jonathan Richard Greenwood
Born: November 5, 1971, Oxford, England
Early Life: Grew up with classical music influence; studied classical guitar from a young age.
Education: Attended Abingdon School. Self-taught in multiple instruments.
Family: Married to Israeli-born pianist Sharona Katan (2009–present), two children.
Fun Facts:
- He is also a film composer for Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread).
- Known for innovative guitar techniques using unusual objects like drumsticks and violin bows.

Ed O’Brien (Guitar, Backing Vocals)

Full Name: Edward John O’Brien
Born: April 15, 1968, Oxford, England
Early Life: Grew up in a musical household; studied at Abingdon School.
Education: Briefly studied architecture but focused on music.
Family: Married to sculptor Susie, two children.
Fun Facts:
- Known for his atmospheric guitar textures and ambient effects.
- Released a solo album Earth in 2020.

Colin Greenwood (Bass Guitar)

Full Name: Colin Charles Greenwood
Born: June 26, 1969, Oxford, England
Early Life: Older brother of Jonny Greenwood; exposed to music early.
Education: Studied at Abingdon School; briefly studied English at University of Manchester.
Family: Married with children; private personal life.
Fun Facts:
- Known for melodic basslines that define Radiohead’s sound.
- Collector of vintage synthesizers and electronic gear.

Philip Selway (Drums, Percussion)

Full Name: Philip James Selway
Born: May 23, 1967, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England
Early Life: Began drumming in school bands; classical training in percussion.
Education: Studied at Abingdon School, pursued teaching before committing to music.
Family: Married, two children.
Fun Facts:
- Released solo albums exploring folk and acoustic music.
- Did you know? He is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying small aircraft.

Discography

Studio Albums:

Pablo Honey (1993) – Breakthrough with Creep
The Bends (1995) – Iconic tracks: High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees
OK Computer (1997) – Critically acclaimed; themes of technology and alienation
Kid A (2000) – Experimental electronic sound; expanded Radiohead’s sonic palette
Amnesiac (2001) – Companion to Kid A, more jazz and electronic influence
Hail to the Thief (2003) – Political commentary on post-9/11 era
In Rainbows (2007) – Innovative pay-what-you-want release; includes Nude
The King of Limbs (2011) – Rhythmically complex, nature-inspired textures
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) – Orchestral arrangements; includes Burn the Witch

Most Popular Tracks:

Creep
Paranoid Android
Karma Police
No Surprises
Everything in Its Right Place
Reckoner
Idioteque

Most Grossing Albums:

OK Computer – widely considered their commercial peak
In Rainbows – critically and commercially successful, innovative release model

Awards and Recognition

Grammy Awards: 3 wins (Best Alternative Album, Best Rock Instrumental, etc.)
Brit Awards: 3 wins including Best British Group
NME Awards: Multiple wins for Best Album, Best Band
Consistently included in “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists

Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know

Fun Fact: Radiohead was almost named On a Friday, after the day they rehearsed.
Trivia: The artwork for OK Computer was created by longtime collaborator Stanley Donwood.
Did You Know? Thom Yorke’s falsetto on Fake Plastic Trees was inspired by Jeff Buckley.
Fun Fact: Jonny Greenwood plays the ondes Martenot, an early electronic instrument, on several albums.
Trivia: Radiohead famously avoided traditional record sales with In Rainbows by allowing fans to pay what they wanted.
Did You Know? They appeared on The Simpsons in 2000, performing a parody of Creep.

Radiohead remains a band that constantly pushes musical boundaries, blending rock, electronic, and orchestral textures while exploring deep societal and emotional themes. Their influence on modern music is unparalleled, and their legacy continues to grow with each generation of fans.