Radiohead at Leeds Festival: September 2009

Leeds Festival 2009 was absolutely stacked with incredible artists. Throughout the weekend, I caught sets from Vampire Weekend, Bloc Party, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs - each one bringing their own energy to the festival. But seeing Radiohead live had always been a dream of mine, and when they finally took the stage, everything changed.

The entire day had been a blur of incredible performances and the usual festival chaos. Vampire Weekend brought those infectious Afrobeat-inspired rhythms that had everyone dancing, while Bloc Party's raw energy got the crowd moshing. Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Karen O's magnetic stage presence was absolutely electric. But when Radiohead came on, everything calmed down.

We had managed to stay in the front row, which in itself felt like a victory. The anticipation was electric, and as the first notes filled the air, a light drizzle started to fall. It was one of those perfect, serendipitous moments where everything just seemed to align. The rain felt magical, adding to the ethereal atmosphere that only Radiohead can create.

Their performance was, simply put, unbelievably good. It's hard to even explain just how captivating they were. I took some videos, but they don't fully capture the experience. The light show was incredible. They had these weird, engineered light installations all along the stage that worked seamlessly with the music, changing colors in sync with the tempo and mood of each song. It was like the lights were dancing along with us.

The band played all my favorites, and each song felt like a journey. The visuals and the music combined to create an immersive and transcendent experience.

Despite the drizzle, or maybe because of it, the night felt even more special. The rain was gentle, almost as if it was a part of the show, adding another layer to the already stunning performance. The crowd was entranced, everyone swaying and singing along, united by the music and the moment.

Radiohead's ability to connect with their audience is unparalleled. They took us on a ride that night, and even now, years later, I can still feel the magic of that evening. It was one of those rare, perfect nights where everything just comes together, creating a memory that stays with you forever.

Leeds Festival 2009 will always hold a special place in my heart, and Radiohead's performance is the reason why. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it. You won't regret it.

This may be one of the worst concert videos ever recorded, but the sound is there. Enjoy!

Other Artists at Leeds Festival 2009

Vampire Weekend

The New York indie darlings brought their preppy, upbeat sound to Leeds with tracks like "A-Punk" and "Oxford Comma" getting the crowd bouncing.

Bloc Party

Their post-punk revival sound was perfect for the festival atmosphere, with Kele Okereke's vocals cutting through the afternoon air.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Karen O commanded the stage with her fierce energy, turning songs like "Maps" and "Heads Will Roll" into anthems for the masses.

Radiohead Setlist

• 15 Step
• Airbag
• There There
• All I Need
• Lucky
• Nude
• Morning Bell
• Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
• 2+2=5
• A Wolf At The Door
• Videotape
• (Nice Dream)
• The Gloaming
• Reckoner
• The National Anthem
• Bodysnatchers
• Idioteque

ENCORE...

• You and Whose Army?
• These Are My Twisted Words
• Jigsaw Falling Into Place
• Paranoid Android
• Just
• Everything In Its Right Place