Thom Yorke Discusses Ex-Partner’s Death on BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs”: Listen
Thom Yorke made an appearance on BBC Radio 4 earlier today, going on the “Desert Island Discs” program to discuss the eight pieces of music that he’d take with him if he were to be stranded on a remote island.
The Radiohead frontman chose Scott Walker’s “It’s Raining Today,” Nina Simone‘s “Lilac Wine,” R.E.M.’s “Murmur,” Talking Heads’ “Born Under Punches,” Sidney Bechet’s “Blue Horizon,” Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush,” and “Freeman Hardy & Willis Acid” by Aphex Twin and Squarepusher. He also chose a performance of Ravel’s “Le Jardin Feérique” by Marielle and Katia Labèque, who he says inspired him to explore writing classical music.
Yorke also spoke with host Lauren Laverne about the passing of his 23-year partner Rachel Owen, who died in 2016 from cancer. “When the kids' mum died, it was a very difficult period and we went through a lot,” Yorke told Laverne. “It was very hard. She suffered a great deal and my ambition is to make sure that we have come out of it alright, and I hope that's what’s happening.”
Yorke also discussed his discomfort with Radiohead’s early commercial success. “I got angry,” he said. “I’m an extremely angry person... I put my hands on the steering wheel and I white-knuckled, and I didn't care who I hurt or what I said.” “Years later,” Yorke added, “I sat down with the guys and apologised.”
The singer and composer also referred to himself as a “hypocrite” for campaigning against climate change while jetting around the world to tour. Listen to the full episode here.
Earlier this year, Yorke released ANIMA, his most recent solo album. He recently penned a song called “Daily Battles” for the forthcoming crime drama Motherless Brooklyn, produced and directed by Edward Norton.
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
