Radiohead's triumphant return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus has fans buzzing with excitement—imagine the pure thrill of witnessing musical legends dusting off their iconic catalog for a night that promised to cover decades of innovation! As the art-rock pioneers kicked off their 2025 tour with an unforgettable opening gig, they didn't just play a few hits; they delved deep into their vast discography, spanning from their groundbreaking 1995 album The Bends right up to the ethereal vibes of 2016's A Moon Shaped Pool. For newcomers to Radiohead's world—a band often hailed as experimental rock trailblazers who blend alternative sounds with electronic twists—this setlist felt like a masterclass in their evolution, showcasing how they've pushed boundaries in music over the years. But here's where it gets controversial: Did cramming nearly their entire album history into one show dilute the magic, or was it a bold celebration of their legacy that fans couldn't get enough of? And this is the part most people miss—how the track sequencing hinted at subtle themes of technology, identity, and societal unease that run through their work.
Let's break it down step by step, so even if you're just starting to explore Radiohead's eclectic soundscapes, you can follow along easily. The main set kicked off with 'Let Down,' a melancholic anthem from The Bends that captures that feeling of quiet despair in everyday life—think of it as their nod to the emotional rollercoaster of growing up in a fast-paced world. It flowed seamlessly into '2 + 2 = 5,' a dystopian protest from Hail to the Thief, where the lyrics challenge authority and truth, like questioning how much control we really have over information in the digital age. Then came 'Sit Down. Stand Up,' another track from Hail to the Thief, urging listeners to reflect on passive rebellion—perhaps a subtle call to action for today's social movements.
Next up was 'Bloom,' a dreamy piece from The King of Limbs that evokes images of nature's rebirth, perfect for illustrating Radiohead's shift toward more ambient, electronic textures. 'Lucky,' from OK Computer, followed, with its haunting melody underscoring the fragility of fortune—consider how it mirrors the unpredictability of modern life, like the rollercoaster of economic ups and downs. 'Ful Stop' (noting the clever British spelling to emphasize finality) and 'The Gloaming,' both from Hail to the Thief, painted a picture of impending doom and twilight reflections, drawing listeners into a world of introspection. 'Myxomatosis,' a blistering track from Hail to the Thief, exploded with intensity, perhaps symbolizing the chaos of overpopulation or societal collapse—easy for beginners to grasp as a high-energy protest song.
'No Surprises,' a fan favorite from OK Computer, brought a moment of poignant calm with its themes of resignation and conformity, like accepting life's mundane routines. 'Videotape,' from In Rainbows, added a nostalgic layer, reminiscing about memories captured on film—think of it as Radiohead pondering how technology preserves (or alters) our personal histories. 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,' another gem from In Rainbows, wove intricate rhythms that mimic underwater mysteries, helping newcomers visualize the band's experimental side as a sonic adventure. 'Everything in Its Right Place,' the opener of Kid A, ushered in an electronic era for the band, symbolizing a return to order amid chaos—great for explaining how they transitioned from guitar-driven rock to innovative soundscapes.
The energy ramped up with '15 Step' from In Rainbows, a propulsive beat that feels like a march toward progress, while 'The National Anthem,' the lead single from Kid A, delivered its iconic distorted bass line, representing the raw power of distorted media and politics. 'Daydreaming,' from A Moon Shaped Pool, offered a lullaby-like interlude on escapism and loss, evoking the comfort we seek in dreams during tough times. Wrapping the main set were 'A Wolf at the Door' and 'Bodysnatchers,' both from Hail to the Thief, building tension with lyrics about infiltration and deception—imagine it as a commentary on hidden threats in society, like corporate overreach or personal betrayals. Finally, 'Idioteque,' the explosive closer from Kid A, blasted out with apocalyptic urgency, tying back to themes of environmental and existential crises, leaving the crowd electrified and pondering our collective future.
But the night wasn't over yet—the encore section turned up the heat with classics that even casual listeners know. 'Fake Plastic Trees,' from The Bends, critiqued artificiality in a consumer-driven world, like questioning the value of material possessions over genuine connections. 'Subterranean Homesick Alien,' an early track from OK Computer, painted a portrait of isolation in a vast universe, perfect for newcomers to Radiohead's knack for blending sci-fi with everyday angst. 'Paranoid Android,' the epic OK Computer standout, tackled alienation and mental health struggles with its multi-part structure—think of it as a mini-opera that unfolds like a story of urban loneliness. 'How to Disappear Completely,' from Kid A, provided a serene escape into oblivion, exploring invisibility and detachment in a fame-obsessed culture.
The encore continued with 'You and Whose Army?,' from Amnesiac, posing defiant questions about resistance and power—subtly controversial, as it could be seen as rallying cry for activism or just poetic ambiguity. 'There There,' the title track from Hail to the Thief, offered reassurance amid turmoil, like a balm for troubled minds. And closing with 'Karma Police,' from OK Computer, it enforced justice with its catchy refrain, reminding us of moral accountability—though some fans debate if Radiohead's later work has softened their edge compared to these punchy anthems.
What do you think—does revisiting every album in one go honor Radiohead's legacy or risk overwhelming fans with nostalgia overload? Is there a song here that surprised you, or one you wish they'd included instead? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if this setlist reignited your passion for the band or sparked a debate on how concerts should evolve in the streaming era!
