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Throughout their career, this colourful band have actively diversified their sound while retaining their recognisable poppy rock sound. Inspired by the likes of Queen and Cheap Trick, OK Go have tried to emulate the same happy-go-lucky atmosphere those bands were so eloquently able to create. Taking advantage of the rising popularity of online platforms such as YouTube, this DIY band began making homemade quirky and extravagant music videos and soon they became a viral sensation.
It took until 2005 for OK Go to garner the attention they needed to catapult them into the spotlight. Self-releasing their first material in the form of “Brown EP” (2000) and “Pink EP” (2001) the band experimented with a more electronic sound, hoping that these releases would land them a record deal. Despite not signing any deals, the band caught the attention of booking agent Frank Riley who helped them secure several support slots with They Might Be Giants.
Moving to the big smoke New York, US in 2001, the band relentlessly played small shows and plastered their posters all over the city creating an excitable buzz from both media and fans alike. Soon they caught the attention of Universal Music Group subsidiary Capitol Records and signed with them in April 2001. Their self-titled debut album released in 17 September 2002 hit number one on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers Album chart featuring their popular hits “Get Over It” and “Don’t Ask Me”.
The 2006 video for “Here It Goes Again” became an internet sensation as it went viral across the world. With a simple yet ingenious concept of the band performing a quirky dance routine on treadmills in one single take, OK Go managed to notch up over 50 million YouTube views. In 2007 the band were awarded a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video and continues remain a memorable visual piece.
Touring across the world, the band have also had the privilege of performing at President Barack Obama’s 50th birthday celebration on 3 August 2011 playing alongside Jennifer Hudson and Herbie Hancock.
With their trademark low budget quirky videos and infectious pop rock, as long as there are video sharing platforms OK Go will continue to outdo themselves creating wacky, inventive and unforgettable music videos.
When you think of OK Go, you probably think of the inventive, viral music videos and wonder if they can be that fun live. Fortunately, the Chicago-based alt-rock band delivers on that curiosity in spades.
Interactivity and fun where the words of the day from the moment they stepped out on stage to begin their energetic set. Confetti bombs were launched on a regular basis, starting with the set-opening, catchy anthem "Invincible." This successfully set up the feeling of the show being equal parts concert and wild party. You could easily tell that the band members were having fun up there, joking and interacting with each other and the audience regularly while constantly referencing the viral videos that they are so well known for. They wanted to party with us, and they sure did.
The second half of the show perhaps best exemplified OK Go's spirit. Towards the end of the set, they channeled their signature creativity into a rendition of "What to Do" done entirely with assorted hand bells and mic-mounted cameras providing an intimate, close up look.
For the encore, they went full on Flaming Lips-esque psychedelic craziness: jackets with flashing lights, guitars emblazoned with fur and neon colors, lasers, the works. It was truly an amazing sight. With all of the visual excitement, it's easy to forget that the songs themselves are catchy, well-crafted alternative rock tunes that form a solid foundation for the wild night out that is an OK Go concert. Great fun for anyone who likes to party while they rock out.