The Truth Behind Radiohead’s Tokyo Tweet

Radiohead tweeted a message in Japanese earlier today that seemed to indicate the British band would be making a special appearance in Tokyo tomorrow. Turns out Thom Yorke and the gang won’t be there after all.

According to Google Translate, the Japanese text translates to: “Hachiko Square Shibuya, 59 minutes Friday at 18.”

NME.com points out that Hachiko Square Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s busy “pedestrian roads.” Some fans interpreted the tweet to mean Radiohead would perform at the square on Friday at 18:59 (JST).

Photo: AP Photo

Grammy Awards, Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

After several music sites ran with the rumor, NME.com posted an update clarifying that fans shouldn’t rush out to buy plane tickets to Tokyo.

Here’s what a representative for Radiohead told NME.com:

“The band will not be in Japan tomorrow so people should not go to Shibuya expecting to see the band in person.”

NME.com speculated that a broadcast of the band might be shown on the huge screens overlooking the square.

A Friday Radiohead event of any sort would coincide nicely with the weekend release of Radiohead’s eighth studio album.

On Monday the band announced it was taking preorders for The King of Limbs. A digital version of the album is being released on Saturday, Feb. 19. A “newspaper album” – featuring vinyl records, a CD, and tons of artwork – will be shipped on May 9. The deluxe package also includes a digital download.

Since tweeting the mysterious message more than 10 hours ago, Radiohead has not updated its Twitter account.

According to the band’s official website, there are no tour dates currently scheduled.

To pre-order the album click here for Radiohead’s website.

Click here for Radiohead’s Twitter page.

Click here for the NME.com story.