Thom Yorke joined bassist Flea on stage at the KOKO venue in London for a surprise performance on May 26, 2024 [1].
The collaboration brings together two influential figures from distinct genres of rock and experimental music. Their pairing highlights a long-standing creative relationship that has previously manifested in other musical projects.
The duo performed a live cover of the 1977 Marvin Gaye song “Got to Give It Up” [2]. In addition to the Gaye classic, the musicians briefly played “Traffic Lights,” a more recent song from Flea [2].
Yorke appeared as a surprise guest during the European leg of Flea's solo tour, titled “Honora” [3]. The event took place in London, United Kingdom, where the two artists shared the stage for the impromptu session [4].
While the artists have a history of working together, this specific appearance was a departure from their typical experimental sound. The choice of a funk-driven track from the late 1970s provided a stylistic contrast to the solo work Flea has been promoting during his current tour [3].
Footage of the performance has since circulated online, documenting the interaction between the Radiohead singer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist [4]. The appearance occurred during a scheduled stop at KOKO, a prominent London venue [5].
“Thom Yorke joined bassist Flea on stage at the KOKO venue in London”
This collaboration underscores the fluid nature of modern musical partnerships, where artists from different legendary bands merge for solo ventures. By covering a funk staple like Marvin Gaye, Yorke and Flea demonstrate a versatility that extends beyond the boundaries of their primary rock associations, suggesting a continued willingness to experiment with genre and format in their later careers.
