Ed O'Brien

Edward John O'Brien (born 15 April 1968) is an English guitarist, songwriter, and member of the rock band Radiohead. O'Brien attended Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, England, where he formed Radiohead with schoolmates. He said his role was to "service the songs" and support the songwriter, Thom Yorke. He creates ambient sounds and textures using effects, sustain units and the EBow, and provides backing vocals. In the 2000s, with musicians including the Radiohead drummer, Philip Selway, O'Brien toured and recorded with the 7 Worlds Collide project. In 2020, he released his first solo album, Earth, under the name EOB. It was inspired by his time living in Brazil and attending Carnival. A solo tour was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His second album, Blue Morpho, is due in May 2026. O'Brien has campaigned on topics including climate change and artist rights. Rolling Stone named O'Brien among the greatest guitarists of all time in 2010 and 2023. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Radiohead in 2019.