The Genesis of “Like Spinning Plates”: A Reverse Engineering Masterclass

Thom Yorke, in a 2001 interview with The Wire (as recounted by Citizen Insane), described the serendipitous discovery that led to the song’s creation. While experimenting with reversed tapes, Yorke stumbled upon a vocal melody that resonated far more powerfully in its inverted form. “We’d turned the tape around, and I was in another room, heard the vocal melody coming backwards, and thought, ‘That’s miles better than the right way round,’ then spent the rest of the night trying to learn the melody,” he explained. This unconventional approach highlights Radiohead’s penchant for sonic experimentation and their willingness to embrace chance encounters in the creative process.

The song’s construction, built upon the foundation of an earlier composition, exemplifies the band’s evolving artistic vision and their ability to repurpose and reimagine existing material. It’s a testament to their meticulous studio work and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting.

Radiohead’s 2025 reunion tour has been marked by a series of carefully chosen deep cuts, offering fans a nostalgic journey through their extensive catalog. Prior to “Like Spinning Plates,” the band had already resurrected performances of “Kid A” and “Talk Show Host” – absent from live shows since 2018 – at the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy. Other Amnesiac favorites, including “You and Whose Army” and “Pyramid Song,” have also been featured prominently on the current tour.

The decision to revisit these lesser-played tracks underscores the band’s desire to provide a unique experience for longtime fans, while also showcasing the breadth and depth of their musical repertoire. It begs the question: what other hidden gems might emerge as the tour continues to Copenhagen and Berlin?

The return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus was announced in September, sparking widespread excitement within the music community. Drummer Philip Selway articulated the band’s motivation for reuniting, stating, “Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it. After a seven-year pause, it felt really good to play the songs again and reconnect with a musical identity that has become lodged deep inside all five of us. It also made us want to play some shows together…”

This sentiment suggests that the reunion is not merely a nostalgic exercise, but a genuine rekindling of the creative spark that has defined Radiohead’s career. Could this tour be a prelude to new material, or is it a celebration of their existing legacy?

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiohead’s “Like Spinning Plates” Performance

• What makes the performance of “Like Spinning Plates” so special?
  The song is rarely performed live, making this debut on the reunion tour a unique and highly sought-after experience for fans.
• How was “Like Spinning Plates” originally created?
  The song was constructed using a reversed backing track from an early recording of “I Will,” with Thom Yorke discovering the vocal melody while listening to the reversed tape.
• What other songs has Radiohead revived during this reunion tour?
  The band has also performed “Kid A,” “Talk Show Host,” “You and Whose Army,” and “Pyramid Song” during the tour.
• When did Radiohead announce their 2025 reunion tour?
  Radiohead announced their reunion tour in September 2025, marking their first live performances together since 2018.
• What did Philip Selway say about the band’s decision to reunite?
  Selway stated that rehearsing together felt good and rekindled their connection to their musical identity, leading them to want to play shows.