Radiohead fans believe the band’s upcoming tour means Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood‘s side project is “dead”.
Despite releasing three albums over the last four years, it seems this may be the end for The Smile. At least, that’s what fans believe now Radiohead are confirmed for twenty shows across November and December. A post to the r/TheSmile subreddit had fans wonder whether the upcoming tour means it’s the end for the band. While some are convinced the group, which also features Tom Skinner on drums, are not going to be touring or creating any new work, others believe it’s merely on ice until the Radiohead tour ends. One listener wrote: “RIP The Smile. What a memorable few years and amazing discography.” Others were not as convinced this would be the end for The Smile, suggesting it’s merely a break from the group, whose last album release was in 2024.
Another fan wrote: “Radiohead touring for five weeks puts no end to The Smile.” A third added: “I mean, look at Thom’s other band, Atoms for Peace.” There is a distinction between The Smile and Atoms for Peace however, as one listener pointed out The Smile has much more musical output than the “one-off project”.
They wrote: “Totally different situation. Atoms for Peace was a one-off project. The Smile has THREE albums and multiple tours. Plus Thom and Jonny have shown that they can juggle multiple projects. I doubt Skinner isn’t going to answer the phone when Thom calls him again.”
Another added: “This feels very premature. Nothing is over until I see it from Thom, Jonny, and Tom.” Others have compared Yorke and the return of Radiohead to Damon Albarn juggling Blur, Gorillaz, and a solo career.
One person wrote: “When Damon Albarn made Blur albums, it was RIP Gorillaz, I guess. Thom and Jonny can go back to this project at any time.” Another added: “Spot on comparison.”
Radiohead will perform across Europe later this year, and while no further concert dates have been announced, it seems likely the band will continue on after these shows. Fans believe the band will play a different set on each night of the tour after Colin Greenwood confirmed the group had rehearsed more than sixty songs.
One person suggested: “100% no. They are rehearsing 70 songs and never play the same set two nights running (if ever). Radiohead are one of the greatest bands for rehearsing a LOT of songs prior to a tour and mixing up their sets and ensuring everyone gets a unique show – and often the odd surprise.
“Just check out setlist.fm and browse some of the sets on their last tour. There were a few constants from AMSP because they were touring that album – but I think I’m right that they rehearsed over 100 for that tour. This time there’s no record to promote – so the setlist is anyone’s guess. Praying they road test some new material though.”
