A million thanks to Ed for his time and kindness, replying to many questions including the most trivial ones for nearly 2 hours. I've compiled the whole lot to make it more readable for your convenience. You can get the original stuff from Indiehead's AMA archives here.
1.
petra_tetris
Do you manage all of your social media accounts or do you have someone doing it for you?
EOB_Official
Bit of both.. I do most of the instagram and actually enjoying.. someone else does twitter and I try to stay away from it as it seems to be a load of angry men being abusive to one another..
2.
WannaTalkAboutKanye
Hello Ed, I'm interested in your views on kindness and being humble in general as a personality trait. How do you go through everyday life without losing that sentiment, given that our society is pushing these ideals of 'selfishness or else you will get walked over'... There's so much negativity in the world... I struggle with this in everyday life. Any tips on how to maintain that balance without slipping to the sides?
EOB_Official
Be the change you want.. not always easy.. but it's interesting the more you walk the path of humility and kindness, the more of it you experience.. don't watch the news the whole time.. and don't let the bastards get you down!!
3.
Drag0nBinder
Hi! Ed, I would like to know which is your favorite song to play live with Radiohead? and also the least favourite?
EOB_Official
Favourite = Let Down or Weird Fishes Least favourite = Bangers and mash
4.
trashypanini
Hi, Ed!! Thanks for doing this. Since listening to EARTH (and feeling such an uplifting sensation in all the tracks—similar to what I felt in part of In Rainbows, even in the more punchy tracks) I was wondering if Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” served as a sonic template (intentionally or not) for EARTH in any way? Or if the “In Rainbows” era inspired you to put pen to paper and craft? As you can tell I love In Rainbows lol.
EOB_Official
In rainbows wasn't an influence but I really love that record.. possibly my favourite RH album..
5.
jacobn28
How did Cuttooth not make it onto Amnesiac?
EOB_Official:
Now you're speaking my language .. agree
6.
FredSamK
Hi Ed! Who is your favourite film director? What is your favourite horror film?
EOB_Official
Christopher Nolan.. Interstellar is the greatest.. don't watch horror anymore but I loved the Omen trilogy back in the day
7.
no-more-loneliness (that's me!)
Hi Ed! Another question probably more interesting than my previous one: Reading/listening to your many interviews recently and before that, I was under the impression you had some interest in quantum physics. Am I right? If so, what's your view on the morphic/source field (also called unified field of consciousness)?
I'm half-way throught this book, The Source Fields Investigations by David Wilcock. It's fascinating. Explains a lot of things and help me cope with my mental blocks, you know, rationality vs intuition and stuff.
EOB_Official:
I'm really interested in a lot of this stuff.. the place where science meets spirituality.. quantum physics is fascinating.. I'm basically interested in anything that tries to explain this extraordinary thing called life and living on a sphere rotating around the a central Sun.. I mean when you pull out.. how extraordinary is this??!!
8.
zootndoot
Hey Ed, cheers for doing this and hope you are doing well! I was wondering how your time at Manchester University influenced and inspired your music?
My girlfriend is currently studying there and whenever I visit it’s hard not to become completely enamoured by the music scene up there. Definitely something in the air to this day. Thanks mate!
EOB_Official
Hey... loved going to Manchester ..was there from '87-90.. right in the epicentre of Madchester.. I wanted to go to Uni in a great music city.. there's no finer.. learnt a lot.. DJ'd, put on gigs, ran a club .. all sorts..
9.
BeholaUnbanned
Hi Ed. Was it a conscious nod to Dark Side of the Moon that the second side of Earth (which has a prism on its cover) opens with a song in 7/4 about money, or was that just a coincidence?
EOB_Official
Oh man.. is that true? Complete coincidence.. I know Nick Mason a bit.. such a lovely man.. he wrote a not for Philip saying we (Radiohead) were his favourite Floyd tribute band.. cheeky bugger
10.
gsheedy
Hi Ed, thanks for doing this! I love your work, Radiohead or otherwise. It is truly inspiring. For my question, I'll go a little pedal-nerd on ya: tell me why I should or shouldn't acquire an older, big-box Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man like yours. Pros and cons? What do you like/dislike about it? I've wanted one forever, largely inspired by your usage in Radiohead and demonstrated on That Pedal Show, but I've never had the chance to try one to see if it lives up to the hype/expense. Thanks so much! :)
EOB_Official
Buy one .. deluxe mem man.. you will never regret it young apprentice!
11.
yfnchn
Ed, this might be a more personal question, but I’ve been reading your new interviews lately, and I’ve found a lot of things you said to be very wise and inspiring.
What do you do when you’re feeling down? How do you mange to have faith in yourself? To focus more on the bright side? I know these happens to every human, and I’d really love to hear your experiences and thoughts.
EOB_Official
Thank you .. great question.. the most important thing that helps me is my daily meditation .. I taught myself about 18 years ago... it's such a profoundly important exercise for me.. and others..
12.
Roofy11
Hi Ed hope you're feeling better!
Firstly I want to ask (if it hasn't been asked of you already of course) what inspired you to do a solo album in the first place? Was it feeling that you couldn't fully express your ideas and potential through Radiohead alone or something completely different? Also second less serious question. Are you aware of the whole "Eeeeeed" thing where many people compare your backing vocals in Radiohead to be you essentially singing your name. Especially on songs such as Weird Fishes and Lift. I read somewhere that you said you had noticed that crowds were singing your part on Weird Fishes and thought it was sweet. Just thought it would be interesting to know what the subject thinks. Also thank you for doing this AMA!
EOB_Official
I was unaware of the EEEDDDDD thing in weird fishes.. like you wrote, I thought everyone liked singing along.. it's such a lovely moment in the show.. love playing that song..
13.
halseykale
Hi Ed! I'd like to know something more about Let Down, my favourite song. I always cry at the end, no matter what. So, how was it like to write Let Down? How much "Ed O'Brien" is there in the song? Who came up with the basic core of Let Down for the first time? And whatever else you want to add about the song will be greatly appreciated. That song speaks to my soul. Thank you for everything you did.
EOB_Official
It's probably my favourite RH song along with weird fishes.. when we recorded it, it was essentially live and it felt like as Quincey Jones would say that God just walked through the room.. it was an incredibly spiritual moment... so happy that you feel it too
14.
carohope
Hi Ed, You’ve been talking about the music of Earth like in a way like you view it almost as a spiritual healing ritual. Is that a new found realization or so,etching you’ve been always been feeling about your music. I’ve always recognized that element at Radiohead concerts. I’d really appreciate any of your thoughts on this. Also I wanted to say that while at first I thought it terrible that just as you were rolling out your first tour ever you got shit down by coronavirus, but now it almost seems uncannily like I really need your album RIGHT NOW because I find it so soothing and healing. Which circles round back to ,y original question. Thanks for being yourself always.
EOB_Official
Thank you for your question.. for me, great music has a spiritual dimension.. a magic.. and that's one of the things I love about music is that it can tap into that mysterious part of one's life... Thank you for the lovely words.. hope you are doing ok..
15.
Obtuse_1
Ed, the album is amazing and the cover-art is especially beautiful. I can tell that this album will be timeless. I have two questions: What are some influences that went into the artwork? Also, do you have any favorite novels you can recommend? I am relieved that you are feeling better. Thank you for doing this. Mitakuye Oyasin.
EOB_Official
Thank you Mitakuye.. The artwork was done by Andeas Brooks and we were really influenced by the artwork of Johannes Itten.. he taught at the Bauhaus and was a Mazdaznian.. a branch of Zoroastrianism .. really interesting man
16.
jpnny
Hi Ed! Congratulations on the new album. Will the dates for the second half of your tour be postponed or rescheduled with everything going on the world? I couldn’t make it to the first Toronto show so I’m hoping I don’t miss you again! Hope you’re doing well xo Ps. Treefingers is my most played song from Radiohead’s entire discography
EOB_Official
good man .. like your style..
17.
prosecuted-hamburger
Is man good or evil by nature?
EOB_Official
That is a question that has been asked by Philosophers for hundreds of years... I think basically kind .. 90% wants to basically co-exist, respect and get by with others.. it's the 10% that cause the shit.. But what I will say is that I think one of the fascinating aspects to walking this planet is that the seeds of destruction and potential for good are within each of us.. and that's the question, which path or choices ae you going to make.. thanks for the question
18.
In_Amnesiac
Hi Ed! Just wanted to say I’m so grateful for your ability to connect with your audience at Radiohead concerts. It means so much to share the physical expression of the music with you and makes me feel like I’m a part of the band. All the best, Lonnie
EOB_Official
I love that connection with the audience.. it means the world to me..
19.
shadowsinthemist
Hey Ed. Been a fan since 1997! Just wanted to say the album is fantastic, and what did you have for tea tonight?! Mike
EOB_Official
nice one Mike.. veggie curry..
20.
LarksTongues1974
Hello Ed. I wanted to know more about the live at the MTV beach house performance you did with Radiohead back in 93 where Thom screams at the camera and jumps into a pool. Was any of that planned or was that just a spur of the moment thing. Thank you and much love
EOB_Official
spur of the moment.. Thom was getting more and more pissed off with Kennedy the presenter... I don't think she understood his animosity!
21.
no452
Ed, I read your somewhat dismissive response to a question regarding a Kid A / Amnesiac box set recently. The OKC Minidisc leak as well as the OKNOTOK release were a heaven send. I am also a big fan of your diary entries from around that time. Please tell me that this project is not cancelled or shelved indefinitely.
Also, what happened to that Minidisc version of Lift? Seems way more fleshed out than the single cut. I bet there's an interesting story about that.
Really enjoying the new tracks. Keep on being awesome and get well soon.
EOB_Official
Never liked that version of Lift.. at one stage it was one of the best songs we had ever done.. it was killer, but too much pressure and expectation in the studio neutered it.. I'm sure that there will be KidA Amnesiac stuff.. all I said is that I find it hard to get excited by old stuff.. realise it's different for a fan of those records.. but when you've lived those moments it's a bit like going back in time..
22.
Shushisha
Ed, I read that when Robert Plant saw you playing exclusively with yours pedals with Radiohead he understood that what defined a good guitarists evolved from « guitar skills » to « play and create new sound ». What do you think about that ?
EOB_Official
I love Robert.. the one time we met, he was very lovely and he said when he saw us performing live, he realised that the days of virtuosos in bands was over!! Hilarious ..
23.
KasaiUchu_Stardust
Hi Ed! First of all thank you for doing this AMA, I’m a huge fan and this is a great chance! Secondly, I would like to hear your view on the possible contradiction between the artists intent and the listener’s personal experience. When you make a song, do you want people to feel a certain way or do you want it to be open to interpretation, and is it important to you? (An example for this situation would be someone feeling happy while listening to a song which is generally considered -maybe even by the creator himself- sad, but not necessarily as ‘’on the surface’’ as this) PS: I was really worried when you said you’ve contacted with the virus but I’m really really glad you are doing well now! Stay Safe Please <3 ! Also, I was really excited for the concert you’ve announced for Istanbul in July and got my tickets ASAP (long before all the crisis)... Do you think that concert will happen (not necessarily in July) at all? Thank You VERY Much!!!
EOB_Official
Thank you for asking.. the day you release a record is the day the songs kind of stop being yours.. you've done the work and I LOVE it when someone personalises a song and makes their own interpretation.. Thanks .. feeling better now although it hangs around for a while.. stay well
24.
SquealToTheCops
Hi Ed. I know during the recording of other albums, books have been important to you - for example, Wild by Jay Griffiths. I was wondering what you were reading during the gestation and recording of Earth, and what influence that had on you? Love, Ben
EOB_Official
hey Ben.. yes I read a lot.. love reading .. well I've been reading Thoreau's Walden and as I've had. a lot of things to sign I've been listening to the audiobook ME by Elton John.. what a story and what a lovely man...
25.
Ubir1234
Hey Edward, In early letters to fans - You mentioned being a Manchester United fan - Do you still follow football and the red devils in particular ?
EOB_Official
Yes love Manchester United.. but My son and I are season ticket holders at the mighty Brentford in West London.. he's an Arsenal fan and I'm united ... we bond over the Bees!
26.
Roivon
Hi Ed! Will you consider making an appearance on Tailenders to promote your album to fellow cricket lovers out there?
EOB_Official
yes .. imminently...
27.
Sandra_Tello
Edward, which song from "Earth" makes you feel like it represents you the most, the one that you identify with the most? That song that you can say: it's very Ed O'Brien...
EOB_Official
Olympik .. it's the Mother song on the record..
28.
skalathamus
Hey Ed! I heard you on Ezra Koenig's show Time Crisis recently, it was truly one of the most validating moments of my life to hear you both profess your love for the band Phish. VW and Radiohead have long been two of my all time favorite bands and to hear your appreciation for Phish, an unfairly stigmatized band that everyone loves to hate, was so, so surreal. Since discovering them five years ago, Phish has truly changed everything for me in such a positive way.
My question (related to above): Prior to the pandemic when you were touring with EOB, in what ways has Phish and the jam band sub-genre affected the band's playing on stage? Have you found yourself more willing to take chances and venture into uncharted territories with certain songs? Which songs do you feel allow the most room for improvisation on the new record?
EOB_Official
For me .. I wanted to take the songs into uncharted territory so that it changed each night.. that's what Phish do.. so brave and so musical.. class act
29.
Honeyb1024
Hi Ed, love your album! Would u ever consider doing a Pixies cover at a show? Would love to hear u do something like Wave of Mutilation.
EOB_Official
Thank you NO. 13 Baby .. LOVE that tune
30.
charliehartdrums
Yo Ed! What's your favourite Smiths song?
EOB_Official
This charming man or Headmaster ritual or stop me if you think you've heard this one before
31.
michaelschoenblum
Hi Ed, any wild tour stories from the early days? Much love and respect for doing an AMA, fingers crossed for more radiohead soon.
EOB_Official
not for public consumption!
32.
no-more-loneliness (that's me again!)
What do you think of music tuned to 432hz? A friend of mine who is a musician tried it and he really felt a differently mostly to his singing (easier) and some sort of comfort. You don't really hear it, you feel it. I couldn't tell myself as I have a hearing impairment and I can't hear some frequencies.
EOB_Official
Its really profound.. Sail On is in 432.. so is cloak of the night.. the whole next album will be in 432 and 444... it's deep stuff
33.
HawkTheHatchet
Hi Ed! OK Computer blew my mind and changed my life when I first heard it as a naive but impressionable youth, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. This thread is a thrill to follow, so thank you for doing this. If Radiohead lost its damn mind and spent one full tour as a glorified tribute band in bizarro world, what other band/artist would you all cover? Either because you’d most enjoy playing their catalog, because it’s the only one you’d all agree on, or however you want to answer it. Thanks!
EOB_Official
maybe the Smiths or REM?
34.
Mrs_Lecter
Hey, Ed! Me again!
I see you as a very down-to-earth and spiritual kind of guy... As a student of the Occult, Qabalah and Hermeticism, I very much enjoyed that reference to the Emerald Tablet in Brasil (one of my favourite songs from Earth): "as above and so below". So, I'd like to know... What is your relation to these matters? Do you like to read about these philosophies and magickal practices? Thank you for doing this, by the way!
EOB_Official
I'm fascinated by this old knowledge.. Manly P Hall's the secret teachings of all ages.. there's magic out there..
35.
michaelscottpaperco-
Hey Ed, longtime fan. This may be a dumb question, but why did you decide to adopt the EOB moniker when you could've perhaps had more name recognition using Ed O'Brien? (I actually quite like EOB though, so don't think this is me advising against it haha)
EOB_Official
I didn't want to go out under my name .. EOB felt right
36.
nheim/">schlagenheim
Favourite UK band at the moment?
EOB_Official
Foals.. the mighty men from Oxford
37.
Sandra_Tello
What advice can you give to someone who struggles day by day against depression and anxiety?
EOB_Official
Thank you Sandra.. you always write such beautiful words... bravo to you for the work you do being a Nurse.. I hope you are ok... Sending you love and light ..
50.
champ10n0fthew0rld
Hi, Ed! My question is, if you had to describe your album Earth in one word, what would it be and why? I hope you're doing amazing. I love you so much!! -Lilayna
EOB_Official
LOVE....
51.
mixedracecouple
Hey Ed! First I wanna thank you so much for doing this. Radiohead is probably my favorite band ever so I think this is pretty cool. I’m an aspiring guitarist my self and you’ve been a huge inspiration to me. Anyways my question is, if you could have just one guitar pedal, what would you pick and why?
EOB_Official
echoplex ep-3 .. great tape delay with an amazing preamp
52.
helpmeplzzzzzz
Hey Ed, do you like to smoke cannabis? What's your favorite strain you have tried?
EOB_Official
not any more but there was a time....
53.
Thomberi
Hi Ed, Feels amazing writing this to you... Good to hear your are better now. Me and my wife both loved Earth - somehow makes me proud that a Radiohead member is making his own personal way in music industry (and I bet this album will be in many people's mouth (and ears)). I'm particularly interested in getting to know how was your experience in Brazil, what are the things you miss from living there and, on the opposite, what was the things you missed from UK when living there.
By the way, I'm from Argentina, but now living in Ireland for 2 1/2 years (interested in your answer as might be kind of the specular-reflection of my experience. Anyway, hope once this shit is over, you will be presenting Earth in Dublin :)
EOB_Official
So want to come to Dublin... I miss the time with my family living in a different culture.. it was an amazing adventure .. nit all good.. out landlord was a Narcissist and turned against us.. he wasn't Brasilian but a fellow European trying to live like a colonial master!
54.
Dawson79
Hey Ed. You and Jonny usually start Let Down and Weird Fishes standing close together. Is there a story to why? It’s such a nice moment in the shows and nice a connection between you two as musicians/guitarists. Love the new album, we’re lucky enough to see you in Toronto!
EOB_Official
he often says something to me when we stand close to one another for weird fishes in an attempt to make me make a mistake.. I usually tell him to fuck off.. I love this moments when our guitars intertwine.. What's your favourite Foals album and song?
55.
2runamok
He loves Holy Fire
EOB_Official
yes
56.
Brahmblebee
My daughter's a composer and musician, vegetarian, spiritual, incorporates into her pieces everything she's learning from you. What would it take to make you consider producing her first album?
EOB_Official
it would take more time than I currently have.. but she sounds just fine .. well done her
57.
no-more-loneliness (that's me once again!)
Trivial question: I read somewhere in some teen magazine Q&A from the 90's Thom describing you as a 'secret Alarm fan'. Did he mean you liked The Alarm but were ashamed of that or something? Or did he mean something else. Come on, I want to know because I have been an Alarm fan. Mike Peters is a lovely person.
EOB_Official
they always take the piss out of me cause I went to see the Alarm in Oxford in May '85.. such a great gig.. seats got thrown.. Mike Peters is a lovely man and a United fan
58.
sebastianbazaes0110
hi ed, What is your favorite drink? greetings from Chile
EOB_Official
organic pai mu tan white tea
59.
RADIOBOT
Hello There. How do you/Radiohead approach creating a setlist for each night? Thanks :)
EOB_Official
Philip, Thom and I sit down at about 2.30pm on the day of the gig and write the setlist, just before soundcheck...
60.
??? (question must have been deleted)
EOB_Official
Kiwanuka by Michael Kiwanuka and Grey area by Little Simz.. thank you for the kind words
EOB_Official
Hey Lovely people .. I'm going to love you and leave you.. thank you for your lovely words about EARTH.. I hope you all stay safe and well during this time.. Be kind to yourself, to others and our beautiful planet.. See you soon .. Big love EOBX
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