Tag: Oxford

Categories
Radiohead tour

Rumor! Radiohead to play the Zodiac?

Zodiac

Ah, the Zodiac in Oxford. If there was ever a club that could be associated with early Radiohead, it’s this one. Back when Radiohead was just practicing on Fridays, this place was called the CO-OP Dining Hall and later named The Venue. The video for “Creep” was shot here and at one point, the band’s management helped fund it’s re-opening in 1995. Needless to say, this place is a historic Radiohead hotspot.

This Is Oxfordshire has a story about the venue expanding their capacity and transforming to a “club of the future”, whatever that means.

The plans will see the club partially demolished and rebuilt with three separate venues under the same roof. The total capacity will increase from 750 to 1,150 – much of that catered for by a new main venue, capable of holding 900 people, to be renamed The Carling Academy Oxford. The Zodiac’s name will live on, though – giving its name to a smaller 436-person upstairs venue, which will host new bands.

The third element will be a stand-alone bar and club, to be called Bar Academy, which will hold 280 people. Due to fire regulations, the three venues will not operate at maximum capacity at the same time.

Work will start in mid-May, and see the club closed for four months. Its re-opening in September will be celebrated with a party. AMG remains tight-lipped over who could appear, but refuses to rule out the city’s greatest musical export, Radiohead – members of which formerly had a financial interest in the club.

Keep in mind folks, this is a rumor. We’ll keep you updated.
(thanks to Steve)

Categories
Radiohead

Jericho Tavern is restored to its former glory

Oxford’s live music scene has received a welcome boost thanks to the restoration of the once legendary Jericho Tavern. A decade on from being consigned to the theme pub wasteland, what is currently known as the Jericho is going back to its roots as the city’s indie haven of the 90s and from 27th April will no longer trade under the ‘It’s a Scream’ banner.

This is bound to please Oxford dons Radiohead, whose early gigs at the venue helped put them on the path for super stardom. Originally called ‘On a Friday’, Radiohead made their debut at the Jericho Tavern in 1987 and four years later, the all-important record company A&Rs flocked to the very same spot to snap up the promising five-piece.

The Jericho Tavern was also instrumental in turning Supergrass from Oxford scamps to Britpoppers extraordinaire. The band got signed to Parlophone after wowing a veritable herd of A&Rs at a Jericho Tavern gig back in 1994.

Of course, no mention of Oxford’s music scene would be complete without the original shoe-gazers, Ride. They were the first to benefit from the Jericho Tavern’s winning streak by signing to Creation following a few gigs at the pub in the early 90s.

Now, indie die-hards and indie kids alike can follow in their heroes’ hallowed footsteps by checking out the lovingly restored Jericho Tavern. Taking pride of place in the upstairs room where many a local band has played over the years is a giant hand-painted mural of Radiohead, Supergrass and the much-missed champion of new music – John Peel.

The Jericho Tavern will be open from 12pm-11pm Monday to Wednesday, an hour extra ’til midnight Thursday to Saturday and until 10.30pm on Sundays. Food is served until 10pm Sunday – Wednesday and until midnight Thursday to Sunday. Sunday roasts with all the trimmings are served all day Sunday.

Jericho Tavern,
56 Walton Street,
Oxford OX2 6AZ
(from myoxford.net. thanks to Keir)

Categories
Radiohead

Charity Begins At Home For Radiohead

From NME:

Radiohead have donated 7,500 to help refugees and asylum seekers in their hometown of Oxford. Oxford-based charity, Asylum Welcome, from the proceeds of their massive gig in the town’s South Park earlier in the year (July 7).

Speaking about the donation, Asylum Welcome chairman Sam Clarke said: “We are grateful to Radiohead and all their fans who made this donation possible. People held in detention don’t know why they are there nor how long they will be locked up for. Providing this sort of link with the community will make life better for a lot of asylum seekers.”

Radiohead’s manager Julie Calland added: “Radiohead are delighted to be able to help by donating some of the proceeds from their Oxford performance. Like many, they are shocked at the way asylum seekers are treated on their arrival into Britain. As media interest grows, this must be an especially difficult time for both asylum seekers and the visitors from Asylum Welcome. We wish all of them the very best of luck.”

Categories
Radiohead tour

Oxford

BBC Oxford Online has a picture gallery up from last Saturday’s Radiohead “mini-festival” in Oxford.

Mean Street
Radiohead grace the cover of Mean Street, a So Cal indie magazine. {thanks to comeandgo}

Don’t Forget!
Radiohead will make a guest appearance on tonight’s episode of South Park! Matt Stone recorded the band’s voices late last month while the band were performing in Santa Barbara. The show airs tonight on Comedy Central. Check your local listings. Kick Ass!

Categories
Radiohead tour

Again with the push back!

It appears Rolling Stone has pushed back the issue with Radiohead on the cover again to August 2, 2001. Someone needs to make up their mind. 🙂

XFM
XFM Online has the Oxford South Park concert archived on their site so you can listen to it! It will be available for 2 months, not for a week as we reported earlier. Enjoy! {thanks to Matt & Marcin}

Categories
Radiohead tour

More South Park Reviews

The BBC has a review of the show in Oxford at their Website. You can also read some fan reviews. {thanks to Chris}
Uncut the wire
Both Uncut and The Wire have cover stories about Radiohead in their newest issues. Check ’em out. {thanks to Francesca}