Radiohead's Thom Yorke has shared a significant piece of advice he received from R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe regarding the challenges of fame. Yorke discussed this during a recent conversation with Harry Styles, where both artists reflected on the impact of public life.
Yorke recounted how Stipe encouraged him to stop isolating himself during Radiohead's early tours, specifically during their 1995 support slot for R.E.M.'s 'Monster' tour. Stipe's advice was: "If you don’t care, they don’t care. If you’re not looking, they’re not looking." Yorke stated that this technique proved effective, recalling a time in Stockholm when it allowed them to go out without being bothered.
The friendship between Yorke and Stipe has spanned over three decades. Stipe also offered Yorke advice during the intense touring following 'OK Computer', suggesting he imagine withdrawing from overwhelming situations by telling himself, "I’m not here, this isn’t happening." This phrase later became a central lyric in Radiohead's 2000 track 'How To Disappear Completely'.