The wait is finally over! After a seven-year hiatus, the iconic art-rock band Radiohead ignited the stage in Madrid, Spain, on November 4, 2025, kicking off their highly anticipated reunion tour. This historic performance, described by many as “well worth the wait,” delivered a compelling, career-spanning setlist that thrilled dedicated fans and reignited the collective musical spirit of the quintet. Expectations were sky-high, and Radiohead met them with an electrifying show, setting a powerful tone for their limited run of European dates.
A Triumphant Return: The Madrid Movistar Arena Kickoff
Madrid’s Movistar Arena buzzed with anticipation as Radiohead made their triumphant return. The band, performing together for the first time since 2018, launched into a 25-song marathon. Fans were treated to a meticulously crafted setlist blending fan favorites, chart-topping hits, and a truly significant deep cut. The atmosphere was palpable, signaling a monumental moment in the band’s storied history. This initial concert served as a powerful statement, affirming Radiohead’s continued relevance and musical prowess.
The Setlist: Deep Cuts, TikTok Fame, and Enduring Classics
The Madrid show offered a rich tapestry of Radiohead’s extensive discography. Opening with “Let Down” from their seminal 1997 album OK Computer, the band immediately connected with the audience. This track recently found new life, entering the Billboard Hot 100 nearly three decades after its release, thanks to a viral resurgence on TikTok.
A major highlight for long-time enthusiasts was the rarity “Sit Down. Stand Up.” from 2003’s Hail to the Thief. This marked its first live performance since 2004, creating a special moment. Another notable return was “Subterranean Homesick Alien” from OK Computer, not played live since 2017. The setlist demonstrated a deep dive into their catalog, heavily featuring six songs each from Hail to the Thief and OK Computer, alongside four tracks from both In Rainbows and Kid A. Even their most recent studio album, 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool, was represented with “Daydreaming” and “Ful Stop.”
The complete 25-song setlist from Radiohead’s Madrid performance included:
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
The electrifying encore featured:
Fake Plastic Trees
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Paranoid Android
How to Disappear Completely
You and Whose Army?
There, There.
Karma Police
This carefully curated selection ensured a dynamic journey through Radiohead’s diverse musical eras.
Innovative Stage Design and Unpredictable Performances
The 2025 reunion tour introduces an innovative stage setup, enhancing the live experience. Band members perform “in a round,” positioned at the center of the arena and framed by LED walls. This intimate yet expansive arrangement allows for unique visual and sonic engagement from all angles of the venue. Consequence of Sound highlighted this distinctive staging.
Frontman Thom Yorke, known for his enigmatic stage presence, kept interactions between songs minimal. During the encore, he responded to the rapturous applause with his characteristic brevity, simply stating, “Fair enough.” This understated communication only amplified the power of the music itself.
A Dynamic Pool of Songs for Future Shows
One exciting aspect of this tour is its “dynamic nature.” Radiohead reportedly draws from an initial pool of 65 songs, suggesting that each performance could feature a significantly varied setlist. Thom Yorke humorously acknowledged their vast repertoire and unconventional approach, telling the Sunday Times, “We have too many songs… we’re contrary bastards.” This promise of variability adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans attending multiple dates.
The European Tour Continues: Dates and Future Prospects
Following their powerful kickoff in Madrid, the Radiohead reunion tour is set to continue across Europe. Fans in several major cities will have the chance to witness these highly anticipated shows.
Confirmed tour dates include:
Madrid, Spain: Additional shows in the days following the November 4th kickoff.
London, UK
Copenhagen, Denmark
Berlin, Germany
These confirmed dates mark Radiohead’s first comprehensive tour since 2018. While currently limited to these European stops, drummer Philip Selway hinted at broader possibilities. “For now, it will just be these ones but who knows where this will all lead?” he remarked in September. This leaves the door open for potential future extensions, sparking hope among fans worldwide.
The Path to Reunion: From Rumors to Reality
The current reunion tour didn’t materialize overnight; it followed months of intense speculation and subtle clues. The rumor mill began churning in March with the creation of a new limited liability partnership (LLP) named RHEUK25 LLP. All five core members – Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Philip Selway – were named in this entity. This mechanism has historically been a precursor to new tour announcements or music releases for the band.
Philip Selway offered insight into the band’s decision to reunite. He explained that the members initially got together “just for the hell of it” to rehearse last year. “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,” Selway shared. This organic reconnection fueled their desire to perform live once more.
Radiohead’s Enduring Legacy and Individual Ventures
Radiohead stands as one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of the past few decades. The Grammy Award-winning art-rock pioneers are celebrated for their experimental sound and profound impact on alternative music. Their extensive accolades include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Furthermore, five of their albums have been recognized among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Iconic tracks like “Creep,” “Fake Plastic Trees,” “Karma Police,” “Paranoid Android,” and “The National Anthem” exemplify their lasting musical footprint.
Despite the collective hiatus since 2018, the individual members remained incredibly prolific:
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood released three albums as their acclaimed side project, The Smile.
Jonny Greenwood continued his successful career in film scoring, working on movies such as “One Battle After Another.”
Philip Selway and Ed O’Brien each released solo albums, exploring their individual musical expressions.
Colin Greenwood compiled a Radiohead photo book, offering a unique visual history of the band.
While no new studio music has been released as Radiohead since 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool, they recently dropped a live album version of Hail to the Thief in August. They also celebrated the 30th anniversary of The Bends by unearthing a rare VHS video of a 1995 concert performance, keeping their legacy active.
Why This Return Is More Than Just a Concert
The sentiment surrounding Radiohead’s return transcends a typical concert announcement. As Rolling Stone powerfully articulated, “It felt like a g–damn miracle when the lights dimmed at Madrid’s Movistar Arena for the kickoff to Radiohead’s 2025 European tour, and they took the stage after the longest break of their career. It was worth the wait.” This quote encapsulates the profound emotional connection fans have with the band and the sheer significance of their re-emergence. Their return is a testament to their enduring artistry and the deep, almost spiritual, bond they share with their audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notable songs did Radiohead play at their Madrid reunion concert?
Radiohead’s Madrid reunion concert featured a diverse 25-song setlist. Highlights included the opening track “Let Down,” which recently surged in popularity on TikTok and entered the Billboard Hot 100. For long-time fans, a significant moment was the performance of the rarity “Sit Down. Stand Up.” (from Hail to the Thief), played for the first time since 2004. The band also revived “Subterranean Homesick Alien” (from OK Computer*), last performed in 2017, alongside classics like “Karma Police,” “Paranoid Android,” and “Fake Plastic Trees.”
Where will Radiohead’s 2025 reunion tour be heading after Madrid?
Following their initial shows in Madrid, Spain, Radiohead’s 2025 reunion tour is scheduled for several other major European cities. Confirmed dates include multiple-night engagements in London, UK; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Berlin, Germany. While these are the only dates currently announced, drummer Philip Selway has hinted that the future of the tour could extend beyond these initial commitments, leaving open the possibility of further performances.
What makes Radiohead’s current reunion tour unique for fans?
Radiohead’s 2025 reunion tour offers several unique elements. The stage features an innovative “in the round” setup at the arena’s center, framed by LED walls, providing an immersive experience. Furthermore, the setlist is highly “dynamic in nature,” drawing from an extensive pool of 65 songs, meaning subsequent shows could offer different selections and rarities. Frontman Thom Yorke himself described the band’s approach as “contrary bastards” due to their vast song catalog, ensuring unpredictability and excitement for attendees.
Conclusion
Radiohead’s return to the live stage in Madrid marks a historic moment for one of the most influential bands of their generation. After a seven-year absence, the quintet proved that their musical identity is as potent as ever, delivering a performance that was both a nostalgic journey and a thrilling affirmation of their ongoing artistry. With an innovative stage, a dynamic setlist drawing from a vast catalog, and more European dates ahead, the excitement around Radiohead’s reunion is palpable. For fans, this is more than just a tour; it’s a “goddamn miracle,” reminding everyone why their music continues to resonate so deeply. Don’t miss the chance to witness this legendary band redefine their live experience.
