Radiohead’s Long-Awaited Tour Announcement Sparks Controversy: Pro-Palestine Boycott Looms

Radiohead is gearing up for their first live shows in seven years, and fans couldn’t be more excited. They’ve announced a string of concerts across Europe this winter, including venues in London, Copenhagen, Madrid, Berlin, and Bologna. Each location will host a four-night residency, making for an intimate experience.

Drummer Philip Selway shared that the band recently reunited to rehearse, and it reignited their desire to perform together. He captured the moment well, saying it felt “really good” to reconnect with their musical roots after such a long break.

To get tickets, hopeful fans need to pre-register on Radiohead’s website. This new system aims to cut down on bots and ticket resellers. The band also wants to ensure that tickets go to fans living near the venues, creating a fair distribution plan. They’ve planned for ticket allocations for both European and international fans, which is a thoughtful touch.

A portion of each UK ticket will support grassroots music venues, as £1 will go toward the Live Trust initiative. In Europe, €1 from every ticket will benefit Médecins Sans Frontières, and Radiohead plans to match the total raised. It’s heartwarming to see a band of their stature giving back to struggling music communities.

Fans had speculated about this announcement for a while. They picked up on clues, like the band’s logo changes on Bandcamp and cryptic messages on social media. This kind of detective work has become a hallmark of Radiohead fandom, perhaps rivaling that of fans for other major artists.

This European tour marks Radiohead’s first live performance since 2018, when they wrapped up a tour following their album, A Moon Shaped Pool. Each band member has explored solo projects in the meantime. For example, Thom Yorke collaborated with Jonny Greenwood to form The Smile, releasing multiple albums.

The band’s members have also been involved in social and political issues, which has contributed to some recent controversies. In 2024, for instance, Yorke had a tense moment during a show in Melbourne when a protester confronted him about the war in Gaza. He later reflected that music should not silence social issues, although finding the right moment to address them can be tricky, especially during a concert.

Statistics indicate that significant percentages of fans, up to 65%, are particularly interested in artists who engage with social issues, reflecting a shift in how music and activism intersect. As Radiohead continues to make its mark, they’re not just musical icons; they’re also navigating complex social landscapes.

Here are the dates for the upcoming European tour:

• Movistar Arena, Madrid, Spain – November 4, 5, 7, 8
• Unipol Arena, Bologna, Italy – November 14, 15, 17, 18
• The O2, London, UK – November 21, 22, 24, 25
• Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark – December 1, 2, 4, 5
• Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany – December 8, 9, 11, 12

With a mix of music, activism, and community support, Radiohead’s return is set to be a significant event. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are ready to see what this legendary band has in store for them.

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