Radiohead is back! Long-awaited reunion brings hits, surprises, and pure energy

After a seven-year break from performing live, Radiohead has finally returned to the stage. And now they have given fans a concert to remember in Madrid. The legendary British band kicked off their long-awaited European tour at the Movistar Arena and the energy in the arena was electric.

The Oxford quintet (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, and Philip Selway) took to a circular stage surrounded by dazzling LED walls creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. Fans were treated to a setlist of 25 songs.

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The band opened with ‘Let Down’, a song that has recently gained new popularity online, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable night. One of the biggest surprises came when Radiohead played ‘Sit Down. Stand Up’. from 2003’s ‘Hail to the Thief’, performed live for the first time in 21 years.

 

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Classics from ‘OK Computer’ and ‘Hail to the Thief’ dominated the set, with six tracks from each album making the cut. “Subterranean Homesick Alien” also returned to the stage after an eight-year absence sending waves of excitement through the crowd.

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Fans had been buzzing for months before the tour began fueled by the announcement of limited shows in Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin.

Drummer Philip Selway, speaking ahead of the tour, said the band reunited for rehearsals “just for the hell of it”. Then they quickly rediscovered a shared musical connection that reminded them why they started making music together. Their approach to the tour has been flexible and playful, with over 65 songs rehearsed and a “busking” style that allows them to vary the setlist each night.

This return follows years of solo and side projects for all members. Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have been working with their band ‘The Smile’. Selway released solo material, and Colin Greenwood explored photography with a published book. Yet the pull of Radiohead proved irresistible, bringing the five musicians back together to share the stage once more.