Radiohead Ignites European Comeback Tour with Unpredictable Setlists
After a seven-year hiatus from live performances, Radiohead has officially kicked off its 2025 European tour in Madrid, Spain. The bandâs return has been met with fervent excitement, fueled by a promise of spontaneity and a vast repertoire distilled down to approximately 70 songs. The tour, encompassing 20 shows across five cities, marks a significant moment for the Oxford-based art-rock icons and their devoted fanbase.
The bandâs approach to this tour is anything but conventional. Rather than adhering to a rigid setlist, Radiohead is embracing a âbuskingâ philosophy, allowing them to curate each nightâs performance with complete freedom. This means no two shows will be exactly alike, offering a unique experience for attendees at every concert. But what does this level of unpredictability mean for fans hoping to hear their favorite tracks?
A Catalogue Reimagined: The âBuskingâ Approach
Guitarist Jonny Greenwood previously confirmed that the tour would not feature any new material, focusing instead on revisiting the bandâs extensive back catalogue. However, bassist Colin Greenwood hinted at the possibility of surprises, stating, âBut you never know, some stuff might come up or not or whatever.â This ambiguity adds another layer of intrigue to the tour, leaving fans speculating about potential deep cuts or unexpected arrangements.
The decision to play in the round, with the stage positioned in the center of the venue, further enhances the immersive experience. This configuration allows for a more intimate connection between the band and the audience, fostering a sense of shared energy and collective discovery. Itâs a deliberate move away from traditional concert setups, reflecting Radioheadâs continued commitment to innovation and challenging expectations.
Radioheadâs influence extends beyond their own discography. Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have remained creatively active through their project, The Smile, releasing three albums since Radioheadâs last album, âA Moon Shaped Poolâ in 2016. Meanwhile, Ed OâBrien has pursued a solo career, Philip Selway continues to release music under his own name, and Colin Greenwood recently toured with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, demonstrating the individual artistic pursuits of each band member.
The bandâs recent revisiting of their 2003 album, âHail To The Thiefâ, is particularly noteworthy. The album served as inspiration for the Yorke co-created Hamlet To The Thief play and a newly released archive live album, highlighting the enduring relevance and artistic depth of this seminal work.
Madrid Setlists: A Night-by-Night Breakdown
Hereâs a detailed look at the setlists from Radioheadâs four nights in Madrid:
November 4th
- âLet Downâ
- â2 + 2 = 5â
- âSit Down. Stand Up.â
- âBloomâ
- âLuckyâ
- âFul Stopâ
- âThe Gloamingâ
- âMyxomatosisâ
- âNo Surprisesâ
- âVideotapeâ
- âWeird Fishes/Arpeggiâ
- âEverything in Its Right Placeâ
- â15 Stepâ
- âThe National Anthemâ
- âDaydreamingâ
- âA Wolf at the Doorâ
- âBodysnatchersâ
- âIdiotequeâ
Encore: âFake Plastic Treesâ, âSubterranean Homesick Alienâ, âParanoid Androidâ, âHow to Disappear Completelyâ, âYou and Whose Army?â, âThere Thereâ
November 5th
- â2 + 2 = 5â
- âThe Bendsâ
- âJigsaw Falling Into Placeâ
- âAll I Needâ
- âFul Stopâ
- âNudeâ
- âReckonerâ
- âAirbagâ
- âSeparatorâ
- âPyramid Songâ
- âYou and Whose Army?â
- âIdiotequeâ
- â(Nice Dream)â
- âThere Thereâ
- âMyxomatosisâ
- âExit Music (For A Film)â
- âStreet Spirit (Fade Out)â
Encore: âLet Downâ, âWeird Fishes/Arpeggiâ, âPlanet Telexâ, âPresent Tenseâ, âThe Daily Mailâ, âParanoid Androidâ, âEverything In Its Right Placeâ
November 7th
- âPlanet Telexâ
- â2 + 2 = 5â
- âSit Down. Stand Up.â
- âBloomâ
- âLuckyâ
- âFul Stopâ
- âThe Gloamingâ
- âThere Thereâ
- âNo Surprisesâ
- âVideotapeâ
- âWeird Fishes/Arpeggiâ
- âEverything in Its Right Placeâ
- â15 Stepâ
- âThe National Anthemâ
- âDaydreamingâ
- âSubterranean Homesick Alienâ
- âBodysnatchersâ
- âIdiotequeâ
Encore: âFake Plastic Treesâ, âLet Downâ, âParanoid Androidâ, âYou and Whose Army?â, âA Wolf at the Doorâ, âJustâ, âKarma Policeâ
November 8th
- â2 + 2 = 5â
- âAirbagâ
- âJigsaw Falling Into Placeâ
- âAll I Needâ
- âFul Stopâ
- âNudeâ
- âReckonerâ
- âThe Bendsâ
- âSeparatorâ
- âPyramid Songâ
- âYou and Whose Army?â
- âIdiotequeâ
- âMyxomatosisâ
- âNo Surprisesâ
- âOptimisticâ
- âThere Thereâ
- âExit Music (for a Film)â
- âStreet Spirit (Fade Out)â
Encore: âLet Downâ, âWeird Fishes/Arpeggiâ, â(Nice Dream)â, âPresent Tenseâ, âThe Daily Mailâ, âParanoid Androidâ, âEverything in Its Right Placeâ
Radioheadâs tour continues with performances in Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin. Will the band continue to surprise fans with unexpected setlist choices? And will they unveil any new material despite initial reports to the contrary?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Radioheadâs âbuskingâ approach to their setlists?
Radioheadâs âbuskingâ approach means they are not playing a pre-determined setlist each night. Instead, they are selecting songs from a pool of around 70 tracks in a spontaneous order, creating a unique experience for each concert.
Is Radiohead playing any new music on this tour?
Currently, the band has stated they are not planning to play any new material. However, Colin Greenwood has left the door open to the possibility of surprises, suggesting that new songs could potentially emerge during the tour.
What album is Radiohead leaning on most during this tour?
While the setlists vary significantly, early shows in Madrid have demonstrated a strong emphasis on tracks from the album âHail To The Thiefâ, alongside selections from âIn Rainbowsâ, âThe Bendsâ, and âOK Computerâ.
How does Radioheadâs in-the-round stage setup impact the concert experience?
Playing in the round creates a more intimate and immersive experience for fans, allowing for a closer connection with the band and a greater sense of shared energy.
What have other Radiohead members been doing since âA Moon Shaped Poolâ?
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have formed The Smile, releasing three albums. Ed OâBrien released a solo album, Philip Selway has continued his solo work, and Colin Greenwood toured with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
What are your predictions for the rest of the tour? Which deep cuts are you hoping to hear live? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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