Is Radiohead No Longer Alive? Rumors Surround Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood’s Latest Album, The Smile
Speculation about the future of Radiohead has intensified following the release of Wall of Eyes, the most recent album by The Smile, the side project led by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood. As the duo continue to tour and promote the project alongside drummer Tom Skinner, fans are asking a familiar but newly urgent question: has Radiohead quietly reached its end?
The rumors gained traction after Yorke and Greenwood spoke candidly in recent interviews about creative freedom and momentum. Both artists emphasized that The Smile allows them to work quickly and instinctively, without the long gaps that have come to define Radiohead’s album cycles. Some fans interpreted these comments as an implicit admission that Radiohead, dormant since 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool, may no longer be an active priority.
However, there has been no official statement suggesting that Radiohead has disbanded. Historically, the band has operated on extended timelines, often taking years between releases while members pursue solo projects. Yorke’s electronic work, Greenwood’s film scores, and projects from other band members have long coexisted with Radiohead’s slower, more deliberate pace.
Industry observers note that The Smile should not be seen as a replacement for Radiohead, but rather as a parallel outlet. While The Smile’s sound shares Radiohead’s experimental DNA, it is generally more stripped-down and immediate, reflecting a different creative intention. Greenwood has previously described Radiohead as something that “comes back together when it needs to,” suggesting its future depends more on collective readiness than commercial pressure.
For now, Radiohead’s status remains ambiguous rather than terminal. The band has not announced new music or tours, but neither have they closed the door on future activity. As The Smile continues to evolve, fans may need to accept a reality where Radiohead exists less as a constant presence and more as a band that resurfaces only when the moment feels right.
