Thom Yorke is an English musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Wellingborough, England, born in 1968. He is the main vocalist and principal songwriter of Radiohead, and he is known for his falsetto singing, guitar and keyboard work, and for incorporating erratic dancing into performances.

Radiohead

Yorke forms Radiohead with schoolmates at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire. The band’s 1992 debut single, “Creep”, brings him wide attention, and the group goes on to gain strong critical recognition and sales of more than 30 million albums. Yorke’s early influences include alternative rock acts such as Pixies and R.E.M. With Radiohead’s fourth album, Kid A, he moves further into electronic music, drawing influence from Warp artists such as Aphex Twin.

With the artist Stanley Donwood, Yorke creates artwork for Radiohead albums and for other projects. Radiohead also uses alternative release methods, including pay-what-you-want and BitTorrent, reflecting Yorke’s criticism of the music industry, especially major labels and streaming services such as Spotify. He is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Radiohead in 2019.

Solo work and side projects

Yorke’s solo work is mainly electronic. His debut solo album, The Eraser, appears in 2006. In 2009, he forms Atoms for Peace to perform the material live, with musicians including Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. The group releases Amok in 2013.

His second solo album, Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, follows in 2014, and Anima appears in 2019. In 2021, he debuts The Smile with Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and jazz drummer Tom Skinner.

Collaborations and film work

Yorke works with a range of artists, including PJ Harvey, Björk, Flying Lotus and Modeselektor. He also composes for film and theatre. His first feature film soundtrack, Suspiria, appears in 2018.

Activism and labels

Yorke is associated with human rights, animal rights, environmental and anti-war causes, and his lyrics often include political themes. His labels include LLLP, LLP and Unsustainabubble Ltd.

Associated acts

His wider career includes Headless Chickens, On a Friday, The Venus in Furs, Atoms for Peace, Radiohead and The Smile.