Before they'd hardly struck a note, rising rockers Radiohead were written off as complete no-hopers.

They were the band that critics loved to HATE... and radio stations were only too pleased to ignore.

With that kind of reaction, it's no wonder the group began to develop a bigger media phobia than Billy Connolly! But they needn't have worried.

For the whole world is going radio MENTAL for the Oxford band's turbo-charged sound.

As usual, it's the fans' opinions that matter.

And - after the band hit the charts all over the globe with their superb single Creep and album Pablo Honey - people have taken to Radiohead in their MILLIONS.

So much so that even hard-boiled critics have performed a spectacular U-turn.

And are now tipping them to take over from U2 as one of the BIGGEST rock acts of the decade.

Radiohead's Scots fans have the last chance to see them in action at close quarters BEFORE they become massive.

For they're gearing up to kick-off their UK tour with a one-off gig at The Plaza in Glasgow on Tuesday, September 27. But, despite their new-found and worldwide fame, Radiohead are still smarting at their earlier treatment at home.

Guitarist Ed O'Brien, explained: "We always had a strong live following here, but the music press HATED us at first because we were signed to a major label.

"So we decided to try our luck elsewhere.

"Fortunately it's now all worked out well for us both here and abroad." He added: "For some unknown reason, the British press can be such an influence.

"But really, I wouldn't even wipe my backside with most of the British papers." At that, in the time honoured newspaper tradition, I made my excuses and left!