Radiohead’s Emotional Goodbye: Last Scheduled Gig in Copenhagen Captivates Fans

Radiohead’s farewell performance in Copenhagen wrapped up their European comeback tour with heartfelt emotion and an unforgettable setlist.

An Unforgettable Return to the Stage

After a seven-year hiatus from live shows, Radiohead’s European comeback tour finally drew to a close with a deeply moving final performance in Copenhagen. The rescheduled gig felt like more than just a concert—it was a heartfelt farewell from one of the most iconic bands of our time. As a lifelong fan, witnessing this emotional moment felt like sharing a bittersweet chapter in music history, where every note carried the weight of years and memories.

Radiohead in London, 2025 — the energy building up to their grand return.

From Rescheduling to “Busking” Setlists: The Journey to Copenhagen

The excitement was palpable when Radiohead announced their first live shows in over seven years back in September 2025. The tour spanned 20 shows across five cities, each performed “in the round” at the center of the arena, creating an intimate experience despite the massive venues.

What truly set these shows apart was their adventurous approach to the setlist. The band adopted a “busking” style, playing songs in any order they felt like on the spot—a refreshing break from traditional, rigid concert lineups. This approach allowed them to pull from a sprawling catalogue of around 70 songs, giving fans new surprises at every show.

However, the path to the final Copenhagen gigs was not without hiccups. The first two nights in Copenhagen, originally planned for December 1 and 2, had to be postponed after Thom Yorke was sidelined by an “extreme throat infection.” The band’s fans waited anxiously, but the postponed shows took place on December 15 and 16 at the Royal Arena, setting the stage for an emotional crescendo.

A Moment Frozen in Time: Thom Yorke’s Emotional Bow

The closing moments of that final Copenhagen show were unforgettable. Fans captured footage of Thom Yorke bowing deeply with hands pressed in a prayer-like gesture—a silent, soulful goodbye that echoed through the venue. It was a moment filled with gratitude and perhaps a touch of melancholy, reminding us all of the deep bond between the band and their audience.

“Seperator” recorded by RHclub Whatsapp group member Joelle Lariviere from USA in Copenhagen day4
— Radiohead Club Twitter, December 17, 2025

Copenhagen’s Royal Arena Setlist: A Masterclass in Radiohead’s Legacy

Radiohead’s setlist that night was a breathtaking journey through their iconic discography:

1. 2 + 2 = 5
2. Airbag
3. The Bends
4. All I Need
5. Ful Stop
6. Nude
7. Reckoner
8. Separator
9. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
10. Pyramid Song
11. You and Whose Army?
12. Sit Down. Stand Up.
13. The Gloaming
14. No Surprises
15. Paranoid Android
16. Bodysnatchers
17. Exit Music (For a Film)
18. Street Spirit (Fade Out)

Encore:

1. Let Down
2. Idioteque
3. Myxomatosis
4. Present Tense
5. Jigsaw Falling Into Place
6. There There
7. Karma Police

Radiohead performing ‘2+2=5’ during their last tour night in Copenhagen.

No New Material, Just the Classics

Guitarist Jonny Greenwood confirmed there were no plans to debut new material on this tour, a sentiment echoed by bassist Colin Greenwood who described the tour as perhaps the first where the band performed without any work-in-progress songs. It was a nostalgic celebration, a deep dive into their vast back catalogue, rather than a preview of what’s next.

This decision made the tour feel even more like a reflective pause. Fans savored the classics, knowing they were witnessing something truly special—a live greatest hits experience shaped by the band’s own whimsy and mood.

A Rock Show Like No Other

Critics hailed the return with rave reviews, highlighting the band’s ability to command an arena while maintaining intimacy. One review summed it up perfectly:

“What a show: a visceral energy, a tasteful spectacle, all delivered with a generosity of spirit, Yorke in full rockstar mode as the band trade places to tend to each corner of the venue. For a band once embarrassed by the notion of ‘arena rock’, nobody does it better.”

Radiohead has always been a band that defies expectations, blending art rock with emotional vulnerability—and this tour was no exception. The in-the-round staging gave every fan a front-row experience, making each song feel personal.

Reliving the Last Night: Fan Footage and Tweets

The final Copenhagen night sparked a flurry of social media posts from fans capturing magical moments. Here are some highlights:

• “Seperator” live, shared by Joelle Lariviere from the USA
• “2+2=5” live from the last night of the tour, captured by Adriaan Pels
• Stunning snapshots of “Reckoner” and “Nude” from other fans attending the show

These fan-shot clips offer a window into the electric atmosphere, where every note hung heavy with emotion and history.

Signing Off With a Lasting Impression

Radiohead’s final Copenhagen show was more than just the end of a tour; it was a moment to reflect on a legacy that has touched millions. For those of us lucky enough to witness it, it was a reminder of music’s power to connect, heal, and inspire.

What will the future hold for Radiohead? Only time will tell. But for now, this emotional farewell feels like a perfect chapter’s close, leaving us with memories etched in sound and spirit.

FAQ

• How many songs did Radiohead play on their last night in Copenhagen? They performed 25 songs, including an 18-song main set and a 7-song encore.
• Why were the original December 1 and 2 Copenhagen shows postponed? Thom Yorke contracted an extreme throat infection, leading to a reschedule for December 15 and 16.
• Did Radiohead play any new material on this tour? No, the band focused on their existing catalogue, with no new songs debuted.
• What was unique about the setlist approach on this tour? Radiohead took a “busking” approach, playing songs in varying orders each night from a wide selection.
• Where was the final show of Radiohead’s European comeback tour held? The last scheduled gig took place at Royal Arena in Copenhagen.

If you’ve been moved by Radiohead’s journey and want to bring a piece of that magic into your space, shop your favorite album cover posters at our store. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the soundtrack of a generation.