In a world racing toward an uncertain future filled with pandemics and geopolitical turmoil, Radiohead's apocalyptic prophecies burst back into life on stage – but does their triumphant return offer salvation or just more fuel for the fire of our collective anxieties?
It's been nearly a decade since Radiohead unveiled a fresh album, and over seven years since their last live performance. During this hiatus, the world seems to have accelerated toward the dystopian landscapes their lyrics have long anticipated – think zoonotic outbreaks that jump from animals to humans, invading forces reshaping borders, underground bunkers for safety, relentless downpours flooding cities, plummeting skies signaling environmental collapse, and infrastructure crumbling under pressure. All of this was eerily foreshadowed in the songbooks of Thom Yorke, the band's ever-anxious frontman, who has often sounded like a modern-day oracle fretting over humanity's path.
Yorke's image as a visionary has arguably been amplified by the band's prolonged silence, turning him into something of a legend. Yet, if he's a genius – and opinions on that remain divided, influenced more by ideological debates than pure musical prowess – he's far from the only powerhouse in the group. Despite the standout solo work Yorke has produced recently, including collaborations with bandmate Jonny Greenwood in their more experimental trio The Smile, die-hard fans have waited what feels like an eternity to witness the full quintet reunited. And this is the part most people miss: the longing hasn't dimmed; it's intensified, proving just how deeply ingrained Radiohead is in our cultural psyche.
Suddenly, without fanfare, explanation, or even new tunes to promote (as far as we know), the band has resurfaced for brief runs of shows across select European venues. Performing in a circular setup, they rotate positions behind a delicate projection screen that initially appears protective, like a veil shielding them from the world. But it's unnecessary – this isn't a tentative comeback. Far from it.
Yorke kicks off with the opener 'Let Down,' crooning about a 'shell smashed, juices flowing,' and it's fitting they begin here. This lesser-known track from their iconic 1997 album OK Computer has evolved into a fan staple, recently revived by younger audiences on TikTok, giving Radiohead one of their rare viral moments in this millennium. The song's allure lies in its beautiful, almost ethereal quality – Yorke's self-deprecating humor about his penchant for overly sentimental 'drivel' is subtly brilliant, akin to literary giants like Franz Kafka weaving irony into despair. It passes a torch of guarded optimism from Generation X to Generation Z, blending hope with skepticism in a way that's uniquely poignant.
Tonight, the shimmer of Yorke's vocals and Jonny Greenwood's unconventional guitar line – played in a rhythm that's out of sync with the rest of the band – gain immense power from a thunderous rhythm section. This establishes the evening's vibe: while the high frequencies occasionally get swallowed by the cavernous acoustics of large arenas, drummer Phil Selway, additional percussionist Clive Deamer, and bassist Colin Greenwood (Jonny's brother) deliver a powerhouse performance on mid-to-late career gems like '2+2=5,' 'Bloom,' and 'Ful Stop.'
Jonny Greenwood has long been the band's hidden gem, exuding a calm, almost tea-and-biscuits demeanor while his instrumentals swing from tender, soulful melodies to raw, almost savage intensity. His bass work has guided listeners through the darkest, most intimidating terrains of their recorded music, and selections from Kid A – including 'Everything in Its Right Place' and 'Idioteque' – showcase their 25-year evolution from frigid, experimental jolts to anthems that electrify crowds and fill dance floors.
By the time '15 Step' rolls around, even the upper balcony seats are pulsating to those intricate drum beats, as Yorke reminds us that 'it comes to us all' – be it aging gracefully or the inevitability of mortality. At nearly 60, Yorke moves with remarkable agility, his salt-and-pepper beard evoking a seasoned sailor as he dances playful routines to 'The National Anthem' and its ridiculously catchy bass riff, which he reportedly penned at just 16.
Yorke has frequently glanced toward aging rock icons like Mick Jagger, tuning into the sound of legendary bands repeating themselves. But Radiohead avoids that trap entirely here. Their followers tend to be fiercely loyal and quirky, and some might grumble about the scarcity of selections from albums like A Moon Shaped Pool or The Bends. Still, the beloved early track 'Fake Plastic Trees' erupts through the roof with explosive energy, surpassing even the studio recording. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Radiohead's selective setlist a deliberate choice, prioritizing their transformative later works over nostalgic hits, or a missed opportunity to please purists? This could spark debates among fans about artistic evolution versus fan service.
Historically, live shows for Radiohead have been a release from the studio's creative burdens, which once seemed to push them to the brink. Their vitality tonight suggests something deeper – perhaps a renewed purpose – but the exhilaration resonates with anyone who's cherished this band. It's more than entertaining; it's pure ecstasy. Yorke himself utters little beyond 'gracias,' leaving some to wish he'd spoken out more forcefully in recent times, especially on issues like refusing to perform in certain countries. And this is the part most people miss: Others fondly recall the nervous young man terrified by the rapid advancements of the early internet era, and they'd still choose him as the voice to serenade us through our current breakneck pace. But here's where it gets controversial – does Yorke's silence on political matters diminish his soothsayer status, or does it allow his music to speak louder?
The setlist for this opening night:
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
Karma Police
What do you think – is Radiohead's reunion a defiant stand against a chaotic world, or just a fleeting escape? Do their apocalyptic themes still resonate in today's climate, or have they lost their edge? And perhaps most provocatively, should artists like Yorke be more vocal on social issues, even if it risks alienating fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below – agree, disagree, or add your own interpretation. Let's discuss!
