Radiohead’s 2025 European Comeback Tour: Setlist, Footage & Fan Reactions from Madrid

Radiohead reignites their iconic sound with a dynamic setlist and fresh energy as they kick off their 2025 European comeback tour.

The Long-Awaited Return: Radiohead Takes the Stage Again

After seven years away from live performance, the legendary Radiohead made a triumphant return to the stage, opening their 2025 European tour in Madrid. For longtime fans like myself, this was a moment packed with emotion, nostalgia, and the thrilling uncertainty of what classics — and rarities — the band would pull out of their extensive catalog.

The buzz began just two months ago, when Thom Yorke and the band announced their comeback shows: four nights each in cities including Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin. What struck me as immediately intriguing was their plan to play in the round, creating an immersive experience for fans, with the band embracing a “busking approach” to the setlist, rehearsing over 65 songs to keep each night fresh and unpredictable.

Thom Yorke of Radiohead live (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Setting the Scene: Madrid’s Movistar Arena and the Opening Night

Fans at Madrid's Movistar Arena got a taste of Radiohead’s commitment during the soundcheck, where they ran through an impressive 28-song set. The actual show on November 4, 2025, was nearly as extensive, missing just four songs but delivering a night packed with fan favorites and a dash of deep cuts that longtime listeners savor.

The band took the stage behind a translucent LED screen that projected captivating visuals of their performance — a signature Radiohead move that enhances the atmosphere. They kicked off with a jaw-dropping rendition of “Let Down”, a song that recently surged in popularity in the US thanks to TikTok viral fame, surprising even the band themselves.

A Setlist Spanning the Heights of Radiohead’s Career

Madrid's setlist leaned heavily into 2003’s Hail To The Thief, an album that has been recently revisited with Thom Yorke's reworking for a Hamlet To The Thief play and an archival live album release. Notably, the band performed “Sit Down. Stand Up” live for the first time since 2004, a real treat for fans who remember the original tour.

They also dug deep into OK Computer and In Rainbows, with gems like “Subterranean Homesick Alien” making their first appearance since 2017. The set was a career-spanning banquet, carefully curated to keep everyone on their toes. With Radiohead’s promise to shuffle the set each night, fans in Madrid and beyond have reason to stay glued to upcoming shows.

“The band took to the stage in the round behind a see-through LED screen projecting images of the performance.”

— Scott Dudelson (Getty Images)

Fans shared their excitement on social media:

@finny_vc: “@radiohead opener”

@pablogil72: “Thom Yorke bubbling charisma in Madrid”

@carlosrossa: “@radiohead is back. Madrid. 4 November 2025”

The Full Setlist from Night One in Madrid

Here’s what Radiohead served up for the lucky Madrid crowd, a perfect blend of iconic hits and deep cuts:

• 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

Each track was delivered with the precision and passion fans expect, but also with a palpable sense of rediscovery — like hearing old friends in a new light.

Visual Highlights: Live Footage That Captures the Magic

Experience Radiohead’s mesmerizing performances with select live footage from Madrid:

• Radiohead Perform “No Surprises” in Madrid
• Radiohead Perform “The Gloaming” in Madrid

On Instagram, fans shared electrifying clips of the band in action, capturing the intimacy and intensity of the show.

New Merch and No New Music (Yet)

Alongside the tour excitement, Radiohead unveiled a fresh merch line available at the venues and online — a perfect way to commemorate this historic return.

Despite the buzz around live performances, the band hasn’t released new music since 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool. When asked about upcoming material, Jonny Greenwood admitted, “I don’t know,” while Thom Yorke confessed, “We haven’t thought past the tour. I’m just stunned we got this far.” It’s bittersweet; while fans hope for new tunes, the focus remains on celebrating their extraordinary back catalog live.

Navigating Controversy: Radiohead’s Political Stance and Public Reflections

The tour also brings to light the complex history of Radiohead’s political stance, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. This subject has followed the band for years since their 2017 Tel Aviv show, which sparked criticism.

Thom Yorke has stated he would “absolutely not” perform in Israel again with the band, while Jonny Greenwood offered a more nuanced view, calling the backlash “the embodiment of the left,” and commenting on the polarized nature of political loyalty. The band has faced calls from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement urging a boycott of their shows, citing the band’s nuanced position as “complicit silence.”

Thom Yorke from Radiohead performs on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in 2017. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Side Projects and Solo Ventures Keep the Spirit Alive

While fans eagerly await the band’s next moves, individual members have kept busy and creatively fulfilled over the last few years:

• Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood formed The Smile, releasing three albums that explore fresh sonic territories.
• Ed O’Brien stepped into the solo spotlight with his debut album, offering a heartfelt new perspective.
• Philip Selway continued to perform and release music under his own name.
• Colin Greenwood released a photo book documenting Radiohead’s middle era and toured with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

This dynamic demonstrates how the members’ individual journeys continue to enrich the band’s legacy.

Wrapping Up: The Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For

Radiohead’s 2025 European tour opening night in Madrid is more than just a concert; it’s a vivid reminder of why this band remains one of the most compelling forces in music. With their in-the-round setup, expansive setlist, and undeniable charisma, Radiohead has successfully reignited the magic after years away.

Will they release new music soon? Only time will tell. But for now, the gift of hearing these masterpieces live again is more than enough to satisfy fans worldwide.

FAQ

• How long has Radiohead been off the live stage before this tour?
  Radiohead had not performed live for seven years before kicking off the 2025 comeback tour.
• What is unique about Radiohead’s 2025 tour setup?
  The band is playing in the round, meaning the stage is central with the audience surrounding it, creating an intimate and immersive experience.
• Did the band perform any rare or deep cuts in Madrid?
  Yes, songs like “Sit Down. Stand Up” (first time since 2004) and “Subterranean Homesick Alien” (first time since 2017) were part of the set.
• Has Radiohead released any new albums recently?
  No new albums have been released since A Moon Shaped Pool in 2016, though members have been active in side projects.
• What controversies have surrounded the band in recent years?
  Radiohead faced criticism over their stance and performances related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, leading to discussions and calls for boycotts from certain activist groups.

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