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Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien will release his second solo album, Blue Morpho, on May 22. The project follows a four-year creative hiatus and depression.
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien will release his second solo album, Blue Morpho, on May 22, marking his return to independent recording after a four-year period of personal reflection and creative renewal [1]. The project, which follows his 2020 debut Earth, represents a significant shift in his output as he transitions from the band's seven-year touring hiatus into a new phase of solo work [1, 2].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 22 |
| Solo Project | Blue Morpho |
| Previous Album | Earth (2020) |
| Future Touring | Radiohead 2027 runs |
O’Brien began developing the new material during the early stages of the pandemic, a period he describes as a "dark night of the soul" that led to a deep depression [1]. While the guitarist had spent decades in the high-intensity environment of Radiohead, the sudden stop in activity forced him to confront personal challenges he had previously avoided [1]. He spent the last four years working on the album in his home studio in Wales and at London’s Church Studios, utilizing the creative process as a therapeutic outlet [1, 2].
The album features a diverse group of collaborators, including Radiohead drummer Philip Selway, flautist Shabaka Hutchings, and guitarist Dave Okumu [2]. Producer Paul Epworth, known for his work with Adele and Paul McCartney, oversaw the recording sessions [1, 2]. O’Brien notes that the album’s sound is rooted in the landscape of Wales, where he found inspiration in the region's history and natural environment [1].
While O’Brien is focused on the release of Blue Morpho, he has also provided clarity on the future of Radiohead. Following the band's return to the stage last year for 20 shows across the EU and UK—their first live performances in seven years—the group has established a structured plan for upcoming tours [2].
The band has confirmed there will be no Radiohead shows in 2026 [2]. Instead, the group is planning a series of runs across North America, South America, and Asia/Oceania for 2027 [2]. O’Brien stated that the band intends to perform 20 shows per year, with each year dedicated to a different continent [2].
The release of Blue Morpho serves as a milestone in O’Brien’s career, signaling both a personal recovery and a defined path forward for his creative output. Whether this solo work influences the long-term trajectory of his collaboration with Radiohead remains a point of interest for followers of the band’s future projects [1, 2].
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Morpho acts as a modular, open credit network that enables the creation of independent lending markets and provides infrastructure for embedding credit products.
The partnership integrates Fully Homomorphic Encryption into Morpho vaults, allowing institutional investors to earn yield on stablecoins without publicly disclosing their balances or financial strategies.
Morpho was founded in 2021 by Paul Frambot, Merlin Egalite, Julien Thomas, and Mathis Gontier Delaunay.
No, the term is also used in the music industry as the title of a solo album by Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien.