Ongoing History Daily: Radiohead’s Israeli adventure

Getting in and out of foreign countries can be one of the biggest hassles any musician will ever face.  Radiohead has had their share of customs hassles, but none quite as weird as the time in late March of 1993 when they were on their way to play Tel Aviv on their first-ever foreign trip.

First, why Israel?  Because that was one of the few places on the planet that was supporting this new song of theirs called “Creep,” so the band was on their way to play a couple of gigs. But Israel is very strict when it comes to security.

Legend has it that even though all of Radiohead’s paperwork was in order, customs officials still weren’t convinced that they were the real deal. They wouldn’t let them into the country until the band performed “Creep” for officers, right there in the customs hall. 

Audition complete, Radiohead’s passports were stamped, and they were on their way.