In the summer of 2016, Radiohead took the stage at OpenAir St.Gallen, one of Switzerland's oldest and largest open-air music festivals. This performance was a key stop on their world tour supporting the recently released album, "A Moon Shaped Pool." The festival, set in the idyllic Sittertobel valley, provided a stunning natural backdrop for the band's immersive and atmospheric sound.
The show opened with "Burn the Witch" and "Daydreaming," the first two tracks from the new album, immediately setting a tone that was both intense and hauntingly beautiful. This tour was significant as it marked the live debut of the entire "A Moon Shaped Pool" record, and the St. Gallen audience witnessed the band masterfully weaving these new, intricate, and often orchestral pieces into their celebrated catalog. The setlist was a dynamic journey through Radiohead's discography, blending the ethereal new material with fan favorites and revitalized classics like "No Surprises," "Pyramid Song," and "Paranoid Android."
This era found Radiohead exploring a sound that was more organic and symphonic than their previous electronic-heavy work, with Jonny Greenwood's string arrangements playing a prominent role. The live performance captured this evolution perfectly, showcasing the band's precision and Thom Yorke's captivating stage presence. This concert is a snapshot of a band at a creative peak, confidently presenting their latest artistic statement to a massive festival crowd while reminding them of the powerful and eclectic journey that led them there.