When you’re in one of the world’s most successful bands, it’s probably tough to say to your colleagues, “Look guys, I’m starting afresh.” But Thom Yorke had to do it.

For October 4th and 5th dates at Los Angeles’ Orpheum, Thom Yorke played P. Diddy and recruited stars to help him play his solo work–the tracks off Eraser and his newer singles.

Legendary Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood (who composed the Grammy-nominated music for There Will be Blood) has been replaced by perhaps-even-more-legendary bassist Flea, of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame. Producing is Nigel Godrich, who produces for Radiohead, while on drums Yorke has nabbed Joey Waronker (Beck/R.E.M. drummer). Marua Refosco will do extra percussion and instrumentals.

Here are the guys, not practicing:

Get to it! Photo Credit: Thom Yorke

Writes Yorke on Radiohead’s Dead Air Space Website:

“In the past couple of weeks I’ve been getting a band together for fun to play The Eraser stuff live and the new songs etc. to see if it could work…We don’t really have a name and the set will not be very long cuz… well… we haven’t got that much material yet!”

Thom Yorke being his loopy old self. Photo Credit: WireImage