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Radiohead
Supergrass
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HiFi Buys Amphitheatre
Atlanta, GA
10/06/2003
By: Lindsey M. Keen
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From the time I heard that Radiohead tickets were on sale and would be playing within four driving hours of my home, I realized that my dreams of seeing them live were about to come true. Most Radiohead fans have been loyal listeners for about 8 or more years, and tremble at the mere idea of a US tour. Radiohead is notorious for creating a buzz around their ticket sales by making it virtually impossible to get into the show. But, when I arrived to the amphitheatre I quickly found out that it was easier than expected to get a seat in the house or become a grass kicker on the knoll. The lot scene was tranquil, nevertheless bursting with energetic individuals who can't believe that in a matter of moments Radiohead would be performing live.
The crowd's emotions were running in directions that would make any soap star jealous of their honest tears of joy and sundry passion. As the mob listened to Supergrass' performance, they all eagerly stood dancing and drinking, just waiting for Thom Yorke and the band to come alive before our eyes. And then, they were on stage standing before us, Radiohead. And it was at that point the crowd cheered, releasing a passion that they've built up for years.
The stage was highly structured in an industrial-Matrix like manner, possessing a persona of its own. The set had a hard concrete wall with a multitude of long lines that flicker every color-tone in the rainbow and beyond. The lighting was perfectly timed to each note in every song, as if it was choreographed to perfection. At one point in the show on a large 5' x 25' screen Thom Yorke's guitar and body was outlined in an electric light. This was something that I've never seen before. No cables or lights on him, just heat sensors tracing his movements and displaying them in an array of colors.
I cried tears of joy when I heard "Fake Plastic Trees." Thom was moving across the stage, dancing and singing with energy as vibrant as the sun above. "Creep" brought me back to high school and made me think of that sad guy who everyone ignored, who was abolished by a society full of meaningless cliques, and nonetheless everyone knew his name. The live version of "Paranoid Android" sent the mesmerized crowd into a rant and rave, taking over their souls and bestowing a sensational birthday present to the birthday boy, Thom Yorke.
Overall, the experience exceeded every Radiohead dream and fantasy I've envisioned throughout the years, moving me to a new level as a truly devoted fan. To all of you who have never been to a Radiohead show but are eager to go, keep in mind that dreams really do come true, and you'll go to a show it's only a matter of time. Keep the faith.
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