Radiohead drummer PHIL SELWAY has been out on the streets of ARLES meeting fans and signing autographs this afternoon.
In the first report from the town in southern France where Radiohead make their live comeback after 18 months in a matter of hours tonight (June 13), nme.com can reveal that Phil emerged from the venue looking relaxed, chatting to fans. The anticipation is rising in the beautiful town, which has two ancient Roman amphitheatres at its heart, one of which is where tonight’s gig will take place. The half-demolished amphitheatre where Radiohead take the stage in approximately four hours, is described as “very prog rock – it’s like Pink Floyd playing in Pompeii“.
The town is already thronged with fans, many French but also a lot of British and even a few American devotees. One lucky American fan claimed to have flown in from Amsterdam, and somehow managed to buy a ticket over the Internet for the sold-out show.
Doors for the show open at 7.30pm local time (8.30pm GMT) and Radiohead are expected to take the stage roughly an hour-and-a-half later for what is predicted to be a lengthy set.
Check back with nme.com later tonight for an exclusive first report on the how the band are looking and sounding as the set kicks off, plus a final update with full details of the songs they have played, what they had to say and how the fans reacted after the show.