Radiohead Benefit’s Beaucoup Bucks

Not too many acts could schedule an impromptu benefit concert and raise serious cash, but Radiohead made it happen.

The band’s recent show at the Music Box at The Fonda in Los Angeles raised more than $500,000 for earthquake relief in Haiti and here’s the clincher: They announced they’d be performing just a little more than two days before the concert.

Of course, gaining entry to the 1,300-capacity venue came at a premium, with pairs of tickets selling anywhere from $475 to $4,000 in an online auction for the exclusive gig.

Thom Yorke reportedly joked with die-hard fans (and numerous celebrities) in the audience about the ticket prices, asking attendees, “What did you do to get a ticket? Get money from your dad? Blackmail your boss?”

Besides ticket proceeds, funds from $25 limited-edition posters and donation buckets were added to the pot, which went to Oxfam International at the end of the night.