Johnny Greenwood Accuses Modern Guitar Bands Of Playing Like Their Grandparents

In an interview with NME, Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood has stated that modern guitar bands “play their grandparent’s instruments.”

Speaking of the influences on modern guitar bands, Greenwood stated: “Guitar bands forming now are often playing the instruments of their grandparents’ generation – and often in the same style. The Beatles didn’t pick up banjos when they started, after all…”. 

Commenting on the use of original instruments and techniques, Greenwood said: “I guess, looked at in the right way, things like 808 drum machines are now very old, but still ubiquitous. So maybe it’s better to think of all these things as being as current – or as retro – as anything else. I enjoy there being lots of technology to play with, however old it is.”

Speaking of his plans for this sunday’s show at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station with London Contemporary Orchestra soloists, the musician said he will be playing “A few short pieces – hopefully one with guitar and strings, if it’s sounding OK in rehearsals” along with material from his film scores for There Will Be Blood, Norwegian Wood and The Master. 

Greenwood is set to release’St. Carolyn by the Sea’/’Suite From There Will Be Blood’, a split-album of orchestral compositions with The National’s Bryce Dessner next month.