A meeting at an Oxford record shop in 1991 altered the trajectory of modern music when Colin Greenwood handed a demo tape to an EMI representative. This serendipitous encounter facilitated the signing of his band, Radiohead, which went on to sell over 30 million albums and secure an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Formative Years and Education
Born in 1969 in Oxford, Greenwood spent part of his youth in Germany. At Abingdon School, he encountered future bandmates Thom Yorke, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway, alongside his brother Jonny. Under the instruction of Terence Gilmore-James, Greenwood explored jazz, 20th-century classical music, and film scores. He later studied English at Peterhouse, Cambridge, from 1987 to 1990, where he focused on postwar American literature.
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Greenwood identifies more as a participant in a collective than a dedicated technician. While his primary contribution is bass, he utilizes both upright bass and electronic instruments to support the band's development. His technique relies on fingerstyle playing rather than plectrums, drawing stylistic influence from figures like Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, and Peter Hook. His contributions extend beyond the studio into archival work, notably the 2024 publication of his photography collection, How to Disappear: A Portrait of Radiohead.
Collaborative Projects
Beyond his tenure in Radiohead, Greenwood has maintained a diverse portfolio of collaborations. He provided bass for soundtracks by Jonny Greenwood, including Bodysong and Inherent Vice, and worked with artists such as Gaz Coombes and Tamino. In 2022 and 2023, he toured with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, subsequently joining Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds for their 2024 tour. His professional activities also include beat programming for Thom Yorke and solo bass performances for Dries van Noten runway shows.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Oxford
- Education: Abingdon School, Peterhouse
- Primary Instrument: Bass guitar
- Band Membership: Radiohead
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction: 2019
- Photography Book: How to Disappear: A Portrait of Radiohead (2024)
- Spouse: Molly McGrann
Questions readers ask
How did Colin Greenwood join Radiohead?
He formed the group while attending Abingdon School with his brother Jonny and fellow students Thom Yorke, Ed O'Brien, and Philip Selway.
Does Greenwood work with artists outside of Radiohead?
Yes, he has collaborated with musicians including Tamino, Gaz Coombes, Nick Cave, and Warren Ellis.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar, bass guitar and bass
- Genres: alternative rock and electronica
