Finally I'm getting around to posting this note about my first Radiohead concert ever, and my second-ever experience at the (Columbia River) gorge amphitheater. The band's origin is Oxford, England. Did you all know I won the concert tickets? Thank you 107.7 The End from one of your loyal listeners!

It had been about 10 years since I experienced the gorge. It's more permanent now, with sidewalks and stuff, but it's still a great outdoor venue.

I honestly don't know any other die-hard Radiohead fans, personally, but my cousin said he'd like to go along (free ticket and all) so that's what ended up happening. It was General Admission seating so rather than deal with the crowd we just sat uphill from everyone near the very back. The concert was great. As is typical for a concert around here, there were a few moshers down in front of the stage. I avoid that scene like the plague.

From our higher vantage point we could see the Columbia down the slope and the gorge as it wound around and about. The sunset was an added bonus to the whole scene. It DID get chilly after dark, though.

Anyway, our seating worked out well. We both forgot earplugs so being back there it was just right. They had 2 huge display screens on each side of the stage which sometimes rotated between the band members but mostly focused on my man Thom (lead singer). They had developed a completely different sound for a couple of the 'live' song versions. All around they are a good *live* band and my cousin actually liked it better than the polished sound on the CD's.

A short ways into the concert they dedicated a song to us 'up the hill on the grass' (behind everyone). You'd think I'd remember WHICH song it was, wouldn't you...?!

At the end they responded properly to the crowds cheering and came back out onstage for a couple more numbers.

Then... *sigh*
we had to leave.

The End has removed the link from their website, but you can still listen to an interview with Thom Yorke, the lead singer: