Ed O'Brien

Edward John O’Brien (born 15 April 1968, in Oxford, England) is songwriter and one of three guitarists for Radiohead. He is also responsible for harmony vocals during live concerts and on many tracks from the band’s albums (occasionally with drummer Phil Selway). In addition, he has played guitar and provided backing vocals for the 7 Worlds Collide project.

He was ranked #60 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list.

With Radiohead:

O’Brien is known for his large collection of effects pedals, which are important in creating Radiohead’s distinct sound. Even on tracks that do not feature any guitar work, his pedals are put to use for other purposes, such as altering Thom Yorke’s vocals (he along with Jonny Greenwood uses the Korg Kaoss Pad). As well as being a self-taught guitarist, he is an accomplished drummer; though his only drum contributions for Radiohead to date have been the auxiliary drums on Hail to the Thief track “There There”, a task he shared with Jonny Greenwood, and an additional drum piece on the b-side Pearly*.

Notable songwriting contributions to Radiohead include the opening riff on the songs “Go to Sleep”, and the riff that makes up the closing song on The Bends, “Street Spirit (Fade Out)”. He has also written the instrumental “Meeting in the Aisle”, “Lull”, and the music to “Big Boots”.