Radiohead made a highly anticipated return to the London stage, delivering a set that spanned their extensive career. The concert at the O2 Arena marked their first UK performance in 99 months and their first new material release in a decade, building significant excitement among fans.
Key Takeaways
- Radiohead performed their first UK show in 99 months.
- The band's setlist covered their entire discography, from 1994 to present.
- New session musician Chris Vatalaro joined the band on stage.
- The concert featured a mix of experimental tracks and fan favorites.
- Despite a long break, the band displayed strong chemistry, suggesting a potential for future projects.
Anticipation Builds for Live Return
The band, led by frontman Thom Yorke, has been absent from the live UK circuit for a significant period. Fans eagerly awaited their return, with setlists from earlier tour dates in Spain and Italy generating widespread discussion online. Reports indicated that Radiohead rehearsed as many as 65 different songs for this limited run of concerts.
The atmosphere inside the O2 Arena was electric. Thom Yorke, known for his reserved stage presence, even shared a rare moment of humor, acknowledging the long wait before an encore. This interaction highlighted the special nature of the evening for both the band and their devoted audience.
Did You Know?
It has been 10 years since Radiohead last released new material and 99 months since their previous UK performance.
A Journey Through Radiohead's Discography
The concert began with the atmospheric track 'Planet Telex', immediately immersing the audience. This was quickly followed by a powerful rendition of '2+2=5', a song originally written in response to the political climate of 2003. Its themes resonated with current global events, giving it renewed relevance.
The band demonstrated their musical versatility by transitioning into 'Sit Down, Stand Up', which featured an extended, percussive outro. This segment showcased the addition of US session musician Chris Vatalaro, whose presence enhanced the band's already complex rhythmic foundation. Radiohead's rhythm section has always been a core strength, creating intricate, danceable grooves even within their most challenging compositions.
"We are Radiohead. Pleased to meet you," Thom Yorke said, in one of his few direct addresses to the audience during the show.
Rhythmic Complexity and Crowd Engagement
Tracks like 'National Anthem' and 'Idioteque' provided moments for the crowd to move, driven by their powerful basslines and slamming drum loops. However, the band also embraced their more unconventional rhythms. Bassist Colin Greenwood playfully attempted to get the audience to clap along to the glitchy beat of '15 Step', a task that proved challenging given the song's unique timing. Most fans simply nodded in appreciation, a testament to the band's distinctive sound.
Background
Radiohead's latest tour comes without new album material. Members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have been active with their side project, The Smile, releasing three albums in recent years. This activity led many to question if Radiohead would ever tour again.
Balancing Experimentation with Fan Favorites
Interspersed among the more experimental pieces were beloved crowd-pleasers. An emotional performance of 'Lucky' stood out, alongside a captivating 'No Surprises'. The rendition of 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' was particularly sublime, drawing a strong reaction from the audience.
The band has a reputation for being selective with their older material, which often increases the excitement when classic anthems are played. This was evident during the encore, which heavily featured songs from their 1990s catalog. 'Fake Plastic Trees' opened the encore, followed by 'Let Down', a track that has seen renewed popularity through social media platforms. The epic 'Paranoid Android' also made an appearance.
- Opening Tracks: Planet Telex, 2 + 2 = 5, Sit Down, Stand Up
- Fan Favorites: Lucky, No Surprises, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
- Encore Highlights: Fake Plastic Trees, Let Down, Paranoid Android
The Significance of the Reunion Tour
Thom Yorke introduced a robust version of 'Just' by recalling its creation on a "freezing cold farm in 1994." He spoke about a time when the band believed they might only be remembered for their 1992 hit, 'Creep'. The band's career, of course, took a very different path.
This tour marks a unique moment for Radiohead. With no new music to promote, and members having explored various side projects, the decision to reunite for live shows is notable. Factors such as personal challenges, including grief, parenthood, and mental health, have been cited as reasons for the band's previous hiatus. Rumors of internal tensions also circulated.
As recently as August, Thom Yorke stated that a reunion was "not on the cards." This makes the current tour, performed in a circular "in the round" setup, even more significant. The stage arrangement encourages interaction among band members, symbolizing a return to their collaborative roots.
Stage Dynamics
For this tour, the band members have reportedly been assigned separate dressing rooms for the first time in their career, even as they emphasize onstage collaboration.
Yorke moved fluidly between instruments, gliding across the stage in his distinctive dance. Moments of direct interaction, such as Yorke and guitarist Ed O'Brien hollering lyrics to each other during 'Idioteque', or Yorke and Jonny Greenwood playing dueling guitars at the start of 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place', highlighted the band's strong onstage chemistry.
These interactions suggest the tour serves as a form of healing or reconnection for the group. Whether this leads to new material or further tours remains uncertain. Yorke recently commented that the band has "not thought past the tour," expressing surprise that they even reached this point. Fans departing the O2 Arena, singing 'Karma Police' on their way home, will undoubtedly hope for more from Radiohead in the future.