Chino Moreno, the lead singer of Deftones, recently shared his thoughts on being compared to Radiohead. This comes after the release of their song “Private Music” last August. Moreno expressed that he finds these comparisons flattering and not annoying at all. “I’m a big Radiohead fan, and I think they’re one of the most amazing bands of our generation,” he said. However, he humbly added, “Do I think that we are? Not necessarily.”
Both Deftones and Radiohead have made significant changes to their sound over the years. Deftones moved away from nu metal with their 2000 album, White Pony, similar to how Radiohead shifted from rock with their 1997 album, OK Computer. Moreno reflected on their earlier albums, Around The Fur and Adrenaline, saying, “We could have easily made another Around The Fur or Adrenaline.” He noted that during the height of nu metal’s popularity, their record label thought it would be smart to stick to that sound.
Moreno also acknowledged Radiohead’s influence on Deftones. He recalled being blown away by one of their videos while writing Around The Fur. The band continues to push boundaries and explore new sounds, moving beyond the labels often placed on them.
Fans can look forward to seeing Deftones live soon. They will be touring across North America this fall, followed by shows in Europe in January and February 2026. The tour will wrap up with performances in South America in March 2026. Be sure to check for dates and catch them on the road!
