“It’s the only delay that can make those OK Computer sounds”: Ed O’Brien explains why one BOSS pedal was integral to Radiohead’s landmark ’90s albums

Ed O'Brien of Radiohead performs live on stage as 'EOB' during the second day of the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival at the Camden Roundhouse, on March 07, 2020 in London, England.

Of Radiohead’s three guitarists, Ed O’Brien is the band’s resident stompbox obsessive, with an eternally rotating pedalboard (which, these days, is usually built by TheGigRig/That Pedal Show’s Daniel Steinhardt).

O’Brien is tasked with occupying the space between Jonny Greenwood’s acerbic leads and Thom Yorke’s rhythmic dances, and as such, pedals and textural playing have been integral to his guitar approach.