On November 4, 2023, Radiohead made a highly anticipated comeback to the stage after a seven-year hiatus, performing at Madrid's Movistar Arena. This remarkable concert marked the beginning of a sold-out, 20-date tour across the U.K. and Europe, which includes a much-anticipated four-night residency at London’s O2 Arena. Other cities on the tour include Bologna, Copenhagen, and Berlin, with performances scheduled throughout November and December.
This concert represented the first time the Oxford-formed band had performed live together since their show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on August 1, 2018. Drummer Philip Selway shared insights about the band’s return in a press statement earlier this year, stating, “Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it. After a seven-year pause, it felt really good to play the songs again and reconnect with a musical identity that has become lodged deep inside all five of us.”
Radiohead took a hiatus following an extensive world tour for their last studio album, 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool. This album achieved significant success, becoming their sixth No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Album Charts and reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200. It also secured them a headline slot at Coachella in 2017. During their time away from the stage, each member engaged in various projects, with frontman Thom Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood notably forming The Smile alongside drummer Thom Skinner, releasing three studio LPs.
The past year has seen a resurgence of Radiohead-related activity, including a live reissue of their acclaimed 2003 album, Hail to the Thief, as well as a reworked version featured in a Manchester production of Hamlet. However, personal loss and emotional burnout influenced the band's decision to step back from performing. In a recent interview, Thom Yorke candidly reflected on their touring experience for A Moon Shaped Pool, stating, “I guess the wheels came off a bit, so we had to stop. The shows felt great but it was, like, let’s halt now before we walk off this cliff.” He also opened up about his grief following the death of his first wife, Dr. Rachel Owen, in late 2016. “I needed to stop anyway, because I hadn’t really given myself time to grieve,” he explained.
After taking time for reflection and healing, Radiohead returned to the stage in Madrid, appearing rejuvenated and ready to connect with their audience. The band performed a 25-song set that showcased some of the most poignant and powerful moments from their nine studio albums. The concert opened with “Let Down,” a track from their iconic 1997 album, OK Computer, which has recently gained popularity on streaming platforms, debuting at No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August, marking their first appearance on the chart since 2008’s “Nude.”
The setlist, expected to vary during the tour, included a mix of major hits like “Karma Police” and fan favorites such as “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi.” However, it notably omitted some of their most famous tracks, including “Creep” from their debut album, Pablo Honey. The excitement surrounding Radiohead's return and their upcoming performances is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate what the band has in store for the rest of their tour.
Radiohead's return to live performance after a seven-year absence not only marks a significant moment in their career but also highlights the band's resilience and ability to evolve. As they embark on this extensive tour, fans can look forward to experiencing the unique blend of emotion and artistry that has made Radiohead a legendary figure in the music industry.
