Profession: Musician and Singer
Biography: Thom Yorke is an English musician best known as the lead vocalist and main songwriter of the band Radiohead. He has garnered international acclaim for his distinctive voice and experimental approach to music.
Early in life, Yorke faced challenges including multiple surgeries for a paralysed left eye. He was moved by the performance of Queen's guitarist Brian May which ignited his passion for music. At Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, he formed a band with classmates which would later become Radiohead.
Radiohead, formed under the name On a Friday, signed with EMI in 1991 and achieved breakthrough success with "Creep" in 1992. The band's evolution in style, especially with the album Kid A, positioned them as pioneers in their genre. Yorke embarked on a solo career with The Eraser in 2006 and established Atoms for Peace to perform this work live. His collaborative efforts extended to working with notable artists such as PJ Harvey and Björk.
In addition to his music, Yorke's artistry extends to the visual elements of Radiohead's albums, created with artist Stanley Donwood. His lyrics often delve into political subjects, and he is an advocate for various social justice and environmental issues. Yorke has critiqued the music industry, exploring alternative release methods for his music.
Yorke previously shared a long-term relationship with Rachel Owen, with whom he had two children. Personal challenges, such as anxiety and depression, have been part of his life, which he addresses through practices like meditation. In 2020, he married Dajana Roncione.
Recently, Yorke formed the Smile in 2021, working alongside Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood. Radiohead's entrance into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 marked a milestone in his career. Yorke remains active in music, including his most recent work scoring the film Confidenza in 2024.
Born: October 7, 1968
Birthplace: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England
Age: 55 years old
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Libra
Historical Events
- 1997-06-27 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: The Prodigy, and Radiohead headline; other performers include Smashing Pumpkins, Ray Davies, Van Morrison, Sting, Beck, Phish, and Nanci Griffith
- 2003-06-27 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: Radiohead, Moby, and R.E.M. headline; other performers include David Gray, The Polyphonic Spree; Jimmy Cliff, Sigur Rós, Los Lobos, and Yes
- 2012-06-16 Collapse of a stage at a Radiohead concert kills one person in Toronto, Ontario
- 2017-06-21 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Ed Sheeran headline; other performers include Kris Kristofferson, Barry Gibb, Katy Perry, The National, and Orchestra Baobob
- 2019-03-29 34th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: The Cure; Def Leppard; Janet Jackson; Stevie Nicks; Radiohead; Roxy Music; and The Zombies
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