Radiohead played their first concert in seven years on Tuesday night at Movistar Arena in Madrid. The highly anticipated performance marked the beginning of a new tour, captivating fans with a fresh stage design and a setlist that spanned their extensive career.
Key Takeaways
- Radiohead's first live show since 2018 took place in Madrid.
- The band debuted a new in-the-round stage setup with translucent LED screens.
- The setlist included "Let Down," a recent chart hit, and "Sit Down. Stand Up." for the first time in 21 years.
- The band will perform four-night stands in multiple European cities.
A Long-Awaited Return
The atmosphere in Madrid was electric as Radiohead took the stage for their first performance since 2018. Fans had waited patiently for this moment, and the band delivered a show that combined familiar hits with deeper cuts from their catalog. The concert was the first of four scheduled performances in Madrid, setting the tone for their European tour.
The band's return has been a major topic among music enthusiasts. Their last tour concluded in 2018, leaving a significant gap in their live performance schedule. This new series of shows signals an exciting chapter for the iconic group and their global fanbase.
Did You Know?
Radiohead's song "Let Down" recently became a Billboard Hot 100 hit, 28 years after its initial release. This unexpected resurgence is largely attributed to its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
Innovative Stage Design Unveiled
The Madrid concert also marked the debut of Radiohead's innovative new stage show. The design features an in-the-round setup, allowing for a unique audience experience. The band performed inside a structure that resembles a giant birdcage, equipped with translucent LED screens.
These screens can be raised or lowered, creating dynamic visual effects throughout the performance. Fan-shot footage shared online quickly showcased the impressive visual elements of the new setup. The design aims to immerse the audience further into the band's distinctive soundscapes.
"The visual presentation was as captivating as the music itself. It truly enhanced the overall experience."
A Diverse Setlist Across Eras
Radiohead opened the night with "Let Down," a track from their 1997 album OK Computer. This song recently gained renewed popularity, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 charts in August. The band also surprised fans by performing "Sit Down. Stand Up." from their 2003 album Hail to the Thief, a song not played live in 21 years.
The setlist offered a rich selection from their post-Pablo Honey discography, pleasing long-time followers. Other notable tracks included "Bloom," "Everything in Its Right Place," "15 Step," "2 + 2 = 5," "Myxomatosis," and "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi." The main set concluded with "Idioteque."
Main Set Highlights
- 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
Tour Details
Following their four nights in Madrid, Radiohead will continue their European tour with multi-night stands in other major cities. These include Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin. Each city will host the band for four consecutive evenings, allowing many fans the opportunity to experience the new show.
An Extended Encore
After the main set, Radiohead returned for an extended six-song encore. This segment further delighted the audience with a mix of fan favorites and introspective pieces. The encore featured tracks such as "Fake Plastic Trees," "Subterranean Homesick Alien," and "Paranoid Android."
The band also performed "How to Disappear Completely," "You And Whose Army," and "There There." The night concluded with the iconic "Karma Police," leaving the Madrid crowd in high spirits. The comprehensive setlist provided a journey through the band's diverse musical evolution.
Encore Performances
- Fake Plastic Trees
- Subterranean Homesick Alien
- Paranoid Android
- How to Disappear Completely
- You And Whose Army
- There There
- Karma Police
The Madrid concert not only marked Radiohead's return to the live stage but also showcased their commitment to evolving their artistic presentation. The new stage design and carefully curated setlist promise an unforgettable experience for fans across Europe.
The tour will continue to draw significant attention as the band performs in various European capitals. Each stop offers a chance for audiences to witness the innovative production and hear classic songs alongside rarely played tracks. This tour reinforces Radiohead's status as a formidable live act.