Radiohead Delivers Captivating Reunion Show at London’s O2 Arena

Radiohead performed a highly anticipated concert at London’s O2 Arena, marking their first appearance in the UK in nearly 99 months. The show, part of their reunion tour, was described by frontman Thom Yorke as an act of “healing.” Fans had eagerly awaited this moment, reflecting on the band’s long history and the uncertainty surrounding their future.

The performance took place on August 10, 2023, and was significant not only for the band but also for their dedicated fanbase. It has been a decade since Radiohead released new material, and the excitement surrounding the reunion had been building since the announcement of a limited concert run earlier this year. Reports from prior performances in Spain and Italy had also heightened expectations, with rare tracks such as ‘Nice Dream’ making headlines.

Highlights of the O2 Performance

The band opened the concert with ‘Planet Telex’, setting the tone for a night that would span their extensive catalogue. The setlist included tracks from various albums, showcasing the evolution of their sound from the guitar-driven anthems of The Bends to the electronic experimentation of Kid A and the atmospheric textures of A Moon Shaped Pool.

As the evening progressed, Radiohead delivered a powerful rendition of ‘2 + 2 = 5’, a song that resonated strongly amid today’s political climate. By the time they reached ‘Sit Down, Stand Up’, the energy in the arena was palpable, enhanced by US session musician Chris Vatalaro who contributed to an electrifying extended outro.

Notable moments included an emotional version of ‘Lucky’, a haunting performance of ‘No Surprises’, and an exhilarating rendition of ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’. The crowd responded enthusiastically to the pulsating grooves of ‘National Anthem’ and the driving rhythms of ‘Idioteque’, though many struggled to clap along to the intricate beat of ’15 Step’.

Instead, thousands of fans swayed in unison, creating a visual rhythm throughout the arena. The encore featured beloved hits from the 1990s, beginning with ‘Fake Plastic Trees’ and including ‘Let Down’, which has gained renewed popularity thanks to TikTok. The night culminated in a powerful performance of ‘Karma Police’, with the audience singing along as they departed for the Tube.

A Complex History and Renewed Cohesion

Beneath the surface excitement of the tour lies a complex narrative. Over the past few years, Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood devoted significant time to their side project, The Smile, leading to speculation about the band’s future. Personal challenges, including grief and mental health struggles, along with rumored tensions, contributed to their prolonged inactivity.

In a recent interview with Wallpaper, Yorke mentioned that a reunion was “not on the cards” as recently as August 2023. Nonetheless, the decision to perform in the round at the O2 Arena symbolized a reconnection among the members. They played closely together, directly engaging with one another as they performed.

Yorke and Ed O’Brien exchanged lyrics face to face during ‘Idioteque’, while he and Greenwood traded guitar lines in ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’. Although the band members reportedly had separate dressing rooms for the first time, their performance suggested a renewed sense of cohesion.

Yorke encapsulated the moment in a recent statement, saying, “We haven’t thought past the tour. I am just stunned we got this far.” The successful concert not only marked a significant return for Radiohead but also served as a testament to their enduring impact on the music landscape.