This legendary 1997 performance captures Radiohead at a pivotal moment, taking the stage at New York's iconic Hammerstein Ballroom. The band was touring in support of their masterpiece album, *OK Computer*, which had been released earlier that year to widespread critical acclaim. This concert showcases the raw energy and ambition of a group on the verge of becoming one of the most important bands in the world.
The setlist is a powerful journey through the anxious, beautiful, and complex soundscapes that defined their new work. Opening with the haunting, computerized voice of "Fitter Happier," the band immediately immerses the audience in the album's thematic universe before launching into powerful renditions of tracks like "Airbag," "Karma Police," and "Paranoid Android." The performance is a testament to their instrumental dexterity and Thom Yorke's captivating vocal delivery, shifting effortlessly from delicate beauty to raw intensity.
Filmed for an MTV special, the concert has since become a fan favorite, cherished for its high-quality soundboard audio and professional recording. It offers a vivid snapshot of the grueling but historic *OK Computer* tour, a period that was famously challenging for the band but resulted in some of their most iconic live shows. This night in New York was more than just a stop on a tour; it was a statement of artistic arrival.