Meaning: The quote by Ed O'Brien, a musician and one of the members of the British rock band Radiohead, reflects the band's experience during the era of their critically acclaimed album "OK Computer." Released in 1997, "OK Computer" marked a significant turning point in Radiohead's career, propelling them to international fame and commercial success. However, O'Brien's statement sheds light on the challenges and dissonance that the band faced as they navigated the transition from smaller, more intimate venues to large arenas.

The context of O'Brien's quote is essential for understanding the significance of his words. "OK Computer" is often regarded as a seminal work that pushed the boundaries of alternative rock and garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. As the album gained traction and Radiohead's popularity soared, the band found themselves thrust into the realm of massive stadium performances—an environment that O'Brien implies was incongruous with their artistic sensibilities and creative ethos.

O'Brien's use of the phrase "it wasn't right" conveys a sense of unease and discomfort with the scale and spectacle of the arena performances. This sentiment aligns with Radiohead's reputation for prioritizing authenticity and artistic integrity over commercial success and mainstream appeal. The band's music is characterized by its introspective and often introspective nature, and the disconnect between their artistic identity and the grandeur of arena shows seemingly troubled O'Brien.

Furthermore, O'Brien's assertion that "You can do those things occasionally but at the time it didn't feel right" suggests a nuanced understanding of the balance between artistic ambition and the demands of the music industry. While acknowledging the occasional necessity of large-scale performances for bands of Radiohead's stature, O'Brien implies that the timing or context of their arena shows during the "OK Computer" era felt incongruous with their artistic vision.

It is worth noting that O'Brien's perspective captures a broader tension within the music industry—a tension between artistic authenticity and commercial pressures. As musicians achieve greater recognition and their fan base expands, they often face the dilemma of reconciling their creative instincts with the expectations of a larger audience and the music industry at large. O'Brien's candid reflection on Radiohead's experience serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that artists encounter as they navigate the trajectory of their careers.

In hindsight, O'Brien's sentiments offer valuable insights into Radiohead's evolution as a band and their ongoing commitment to artistic integrity. Following the "OK Computer" era, Radiohead continued to defy expectations and experiment with their sound, releasing albums that defied categorization and resonated with fans and critics alike. The band's willingness to challenge conventions and resist being pigeonholed into a particular musical mold has solidified their status as one of the most influential and innovative acts in contemporary music.

In conclusion, Ed O'Brien's quote encapsulates the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success that Radiohead grappled with during the "OK Computer" era. His reflections on the discomfort of playing in large arenas despite their newfound popularity underscore the band's unwavering commitment to their artistic vision. Ultimately, O'Brien's words offer a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the intersection of art and commerce within the music industry.