Radiohead's Thom Yorke 2025 European Arena Tour Pre-Mix Playlist Released

Immerse yourself in Thom Yorke’s 2025 pre-show mix, blending classic and eclectic tunes to set the stage for Radiohead’s epic European arena tour.

Step Into the Soundscape of Radiohead’s 2025 Tour

If you’ve ever wondered what tunes warm up a legend before stepping into the spotlight, Radiohead just lifted the curtain. Thom Yorke’s carefully curated pre-mix playlist for their 2025 European arena tour has been shared, giving fans a fascinating peek behind the scenes. This isn’t just a random shuffle—it's a sonic journey featuring artists across decades and genres that embody the atmospheres and moods fueling those electric nights.

At the heart of Thom's playlist are gems from Leonard Cohen’s brooding lyricism, the innovative electronic soundscapes of Aphex Twin, and the art-rock flair of David Byrne. It’s a mix that speaks volumes about the band’s inspirations and the vibe they want to channel before taking over an arena.

The Playlist: A Curated Odyssey Through Music History

What’s striking about this pre-mix is its range. It kicks off with Radiohead’s own 'Seattle Ambient Recordings (Minidisks),' almost like a secret soundtrack capturing the band’s internal soundscape. From there, Thom Yorke guides us through decades of musical brilliance:

• Francois Bayle’s experimental compositions
• Leonard Cohen’s poetic depth
• Faust’s krautrock innovation
• Bill Evans' jazz legends
• The folk storytelling of The Corries
• Psychedelic echoes from Syd Barrett

And it doesn’t stop there. The playlist dives into the hypnotic beats of Plastikman, the timeless swing of Duke Ellington, the quirky energy of Moondog, and the haunting Gaelic Psalm Singers. It’s a perfect prelude, designed to immerse the band and their fans in a rich tapestry of sound.

Radiohead summed it up perfectly on social media:

“Experience (or relive) the ambience of a European arena while waiting for Radiohead to take the stage – Thom’s 2025 pre-show mix is now available.”

Tune In: Where to Hear Thom Yorke’s Pre-Show Mix

You don’t have to be backstage to catch this musical feast. Radiohead has uploaded the playlist on MixCloud and Spotify, making it accessible for everyone to dive into those pre-concert vibes.

Listen to it here on MixCloud:

And here on Spotify:

The 2025 Tour: A Triumphant Return to the Stage

The playlist sets the scene for what was Radiohead’s first tour in seven years. From November 4 to December 16, 2025, they lit up twenty shows across Europe, including an unforgettable four-night residency at The O2 in London.

Critics couldn’t get enough. One rave review described their London show as “the cinematic, arty yin to Oasis’ hedonistic yang,” noting the visceral energy and generosity of spirit radiating from Thom Yorke, who was in full rockstar mode. The band’s unique “arena rock” approach—once an idea they shied away from—was now fully embraced and perfected.

Highlights included long-awaited live performances of tracks like “Just,” “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” and “Nice Dream” — songs not played in 16 years, creating magical moments for longtime fans.

Innovative Stagecraft and Setlist Freedom

Something special about this tour was Radiohead’s choice to perform “in the round,” meaning the stage was centered and surrounded by the audience, creating a more intimate and immersive concert experience.

Colin Greenwood, the bassist, described their approach as “busking” — the band whittled down their setlist from over 65 rehearsed songs each night, bringing spontaneity and surprise to the performances.

This fluidity kept fans on their toes and made every show a unique experience, celebrating the deep and varied Radiohead catalog with newfound energy.

What’s Next for Radiohead?

While the 2025 European tour wrapped on a high note, Radiohead hasn’t announced any new shows yet. Drummer Philip Selway hinted at the unknown future, saying, “For now, it will just be these ones, but who knows where this will all lead.”

Meanwhile, Colin Greenwood has been busy touring with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, even contributing to their 2024 album ‘Wild God.’ It’s a reminder that these seasoned musicians continue to weave their creative paths beyond Radiohead.

Fans are hopeful for new music, as the band’s last album ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ came out in 2016. In a recent interview, guitarist Jonny Greenwood admitted uncertainty about new songs: “I don’t know.” Thom Yorke echoed the sentiment, saying, “We haven’t thought past the tour. I’m just stunned we got this far.”

Final Thoughts: The Soundtrack to an Iconic Era

Thom Yorke’s 2025 pre-mix playlist isn’t just a musical warm-up; it’s a snapshot of Radiohead’s soul and influences as they redefined arena rock for a new generation. It’s a fascinating listen for anyone who’s ever been swept away by their live shows or curious about the sounds that fuel their magic.

FAQ

• What artists are featured in Thom Yorke’s pre-mix playlist?
  The playlist includes Leonard Cohen, Aphex Twin, David Byrne, Francois Bayle, Faust, Bill Evans, The Corries, Syd Barrett, Moondog, Lee Hazlewood, Duke Ellington, Plastikman, Mark Pritchard, Gaelic Psalm Singers, among others.
• Where can I listen to the 2025 pre-show playlist?
  The playlist is available on MixCloud and Spotify, linked within the article.
• How many shows did Radiohead play on their 2025 European tour?
  They performed 20 shows from November 4 to December 16, 2025, including four nights at The O2 in London.
• What was unique about Radiohead’s 2025 tour setup?
  The band played “in the round,” with the stage centered and surrounded by the audience. They also took a “busking approach” to their setlists, performing different songs each night.
• Is Radiohead planning new music after the 2025 tour?
  As of now, the band hasn’t announced plans for new material. Members have expressed uncertainty about what comes next beyond the tour.

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