Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood aren’t the only members of Radiohead who have been spreading their wings of late. Whilst the duo have been touring and recording with their trio The Smile, bassist (and Jonny’s older brother) Colin has been moonlighting with another set of cherished alt-rockers, becoming a member of Nick Cave’s backing band the Bad Seeds. He recently completed a 33-date run in arenas with the band and also played on this year’s Wild God record. A week after the tour was finished, he told this writer about what a fantastic experience it had been.
“It was really great because I don’t feel stressed playing those rooms because I’m used to it with Radiohead,” Greenwood explained, “and also because the atmosphere on tour was so supportive and collegiate and kind and funny and just the best time with the loveliest people. I’m lucky where I am in my life with music where I can feel when I’m on stage that it’s like a sort of home from home. I am really grateful for that experience.”
As has sometimes happened with Radiohead, who on occasion have roped in Portishead drummer Clive Deamer to play alongside their own sticksman Phil Selway, Greenwood found himself playing between two drummers. “I got to stand between two incredible drummers, Jim Sclavunos and Larry Mullins, who are both fabulous and very, very loud but great,” he said. “They gave me lots of advice and support and wisdom about how to conduct myself when I was working with Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds.”
