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 band’s 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 band’s approach to this tour is anything but conventional. Rather than adhering to a rigid setlist, Radiohead is embracing a “busking” philosophy, allowing them to curate each night’s 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 ‘Busking’ Approach
Guitarist Jonny Greenwood previously confirmed that the tour would not feature any new material, focusing instead on revisiting the band’s extensive back catalogue. However, bassist Colin Greenwood hinted at the possibility of surprises, stating, “But you never know, some stuff might come up or not or whatever.” 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. It’s a deliberate move away from traditional concert setups, reflecting Radiohead’s continued commitment to innovation and challenging expectations.
Radiohead’s influence extends beyond their own discography. Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have remained creatively active through their project, The Smile, releasing three albums since Radiohead’s last album, ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ in 2016. Meanwhile, Ed O’Brien 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 band’s recent revisiting of their 2003 album, ‘Hail To The Thief’, 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
Here’s a detailed look at the setlists from Radiohead’s four nights in Madrid:
November 4th
- ‘Let Down’
- ‘2 + 2 = 5’
- ‘Sit Down. Stand Up.’
- ‘Bloom’
- ‘Lucky’
- ‘Ful Stop’
- ‘The Gloaming’
- ‘Myxomatosis’
- ‘No Surprises’
- ‘Videotape’
- ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’
- ‘Everything in Its Right Place’
- ’15 Step’
- ‘The National Anthem’
- ‘Daydreaming’
- ‘A Wolf at the Door’
- ‘Bodysnatchers’
- ‘Idioteque’
Encore: ‘Fake Plastic Trees’, ‘Subterranean Homesick Alien’, ‘Paranoid Android’, ‘How to Disappear Completely’, ‘You and Whose Army?’, ‘There There’
November 5th
- ‘2 + 2 = 5’
- ‘The Bends’
- ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’
- ‘All I Need’
- ‘Ful Stop’
- ‘Nude’
- ‘Reckoner’
- ‘Airbag’
- ‘Separator’
- ‘Pyramid Song’
- ‘You and Whose Army?’
- ‘Idioteque’
- ‘(Nice Dream)’
- ‘There There’
- ‘Myxomatosis’
- ‘Exit Music (For A Film)’
- ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’
Encore: ‘Let Down’, ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’, ‘Planet Telex’, ‘Present Tense’, ‘The Daily Mail’, ‘Paranoid Android’, ‘Everything In Its Right Place’
November 7th
- ‘Planet Telex’
- ‘2 + 2 = 5’
- ‘Sit Down. Stand Up.’
- ‘Bloom’
- ‘Lucky’
- ‘Ful Stop’
- ‘The Gloaming’
- ‘There There’
- ‘No Surprises’
- ‘Videotape’
- ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’
- ‘Everything in Its Right Place’
- ’15 Step’
- ‘The National Anthem’
- ‘Daydreaming’
- ‘Subterranean Homesick Alien’
- ‘Bodysnatchers’
- ‘Idioteque’
Encore: ‘Fake Plastic Trees’, ‘Let Down’, ‘Paranoid Android’, ‘You and Whose Army?’, ‘A Wolf at the Door’, ‘Just’, ‘Karma Police’
November 8th
- ‘2 + 2 = 5’
- ‘Airbag’
- ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’
- ‘All I Need’
- ‘Ful Stop’
- ‘Nude’
- ‘Reckoner’
- ‘The Bends’
- ‘Separator’
- ‘Pyramid Song’
- ‘You and Whose Army?’
- ‘Idioteque’
- ‘Myxomatosis’
- ‘No Surprises’
- ‘Optimistic’
- ‘There There’
- ‘Exit Music (for a Film)’
- ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’
Encore: ‘Let Down’, ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’, ‘(Nice Dream)’, ‘Present Tense’, ‘The Daily Mail’, ‘Paranoid Android’, ‘Everything in Its Right Place’
Radiohead’s 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 Radiohead’s ‘busking’ approach to their setlists?
Radiohead’s ‘busking’ 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 ‘Hail To The Thief’, alongside selections from ‘In Rainbows’, ‘The Bends’, and ‘OK Computer’.
How does Radiohead’s 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 ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’?
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have formed The Smile, releasing three albums. Ed O’Brien 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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