Radiohead explain Glastonbury snub

United Kingdom | | 28 February 2008

Radiohead have hinted at the reason behind them deciding against playing Glastonbury this summer.

Frontman Thom Yorke has spoken out saying the band are planning to only play at events with environmentally friendly transport systems.

He told a Friends Of The Earth delegation in Brussels: “What we’re trying to do now is only play in areas that have a public transport infrastructure in place. So that rules out Glastonbury for this year. Maybe we can work out a plan for the future. They’re probably sick of the sight of us anyway.”

The singer also explained how he and his bandmates are trying to reduce their own environmental impact, both in their private lives and as a band.

He said: “I am trying to build a system under my house that heats it naturally from the ground."

“One of the conditions of the band carrying on touring is that we do everything we can to minimise our impact on the environment. That has included buying two lots of equipment and keeping one in Europe and one in America so we never have to fly our kit around the world again.”

Radiohead are confirmed for several festivals outside the UK, including Roskilde in Denmark, Rock Werchter in Belgium and All Points West in USA.

They are playing two UK outdoor shows in London's Victoria Park as part of their summer tour. Both are sold out.