Radiohead kicked off their highly anticipated European tour in Madrid last night with a career-spanning setlist that drew from nearly all nine of their studio albums. The sold-out crowd was treated to an eclectic mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts, showcasing the band's incredible range and depth.
The show, which was the first major concert for Radiohead since 2018, featured a whopping 21 songs, including iconic tracks like "Let Down" from OK Computer and "Karma Police". However, it was clear that this was no greatest hits setlist – instead, the band delved into their extensive catalog with surprising frequency. The highlight of the night came when Thom Yorke briefly walked off stage in Melbourne last year after a heckler shouted about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; fans expressed mixed feelings about the incident, but ultimately praised the music for its power to transcend.
For long-time fan Alessandra Fossati, who has seen Radiohead perform 50 times, this tour was a special opportunity to witness the band's continued evolution. "They always change from one record to another," she noted. "I used to be a U2 fan, but they kept doing the same things – and after a while you get bored." Meanwhile, new fans were thrilled to experience the band's atmospheric soundscapes for themselves.
The band's decision to tackle sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has not gone unnoticed; last year's performance in Melbourne sparked controversy when Thom Yorke walked off stage. However, many fans defended Radiohead's stance on social issues, citing their long history of activism and advocacy. Despite this, it was clear that some were divided on the matter.
Radiohead's European tour promises to be a thrilling ride for fans, with stops in Spain, Italy, the UK, and Germany before wrapping up on December 12th. With their reputation for pushing boundaries and experimenting with sound, this show will undoubtedly be one to remember – but only those who braved the early queues outside Movistar Arena in Madrid can attest to that fact.
With little chat between the band members and the crowd beyond the occasional "gracias", Radiohead delivered a captivating performance that highlighted their enduring appeal. While some may have been disappointed by their absence from the headlines, this tour is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transcend politics.
The show, which was the first major concert for Radiohead since 2018, featured a whopping 21 songs, including iconic tracks like "Let Down" from OK Computer and "Karma Police". However, it was clear that this was no greatest hits setlist – instead, the band delved into their extensive catalog with surprising frequency. The highlight of the night came when Thom Yorke briefly walked off stage in Melbourne last year after a heckler shouted about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; fans expressed mixed feelings about the incident, but ultimately praised the music for its power to transcend.
For long-time fan Alessandra Fossati, who has seen Radiohead perform 50 times, this tour was a special opportunity to witness the band's continued evolution. "They always change from one record to another," she noted. "I used to be a U2 fan, but they kept doing the same things – and after a while you get bored." Meanwhile, new fans were thrilled to experience the band's atmospheric soundscapes for themselves.
The band's decision to tackle sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has not gone unnoticed; last year's performance in Melbourne sparked controversy when Thom Yorke walked off stage. However, many fans defended Radiohead's stance on social issues, citing their long history of activism and advocacy. Despite this, it was clear that some were divided on the matter.
Radiohead's European tour promises to be a thrilling ride for fans, with stops in Spain, Italy, the UK, and Germany before wrapping up on December 12th. With their reputation for pushing boundaries and experimenting with sound, this show will undoubtedly be one to remember – but only those who braved the early queues outside Movistar Arena in Madrid can attest to that fact.
With little chat between the band members and the crowd beyond the occasional "gracias", Radiohead delivered a captivating performance that highlighted their enduring appeal. While some may have been disappointed by their absence from the headlines, this tour is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transcend politics.