Radiohead has made history by breaking the attendance record at The O2 in London during their recent series of concerts. The iconic band completed four consecutive sold-out nights, setting a new benchmark for fan attendance that surpassed Metallica’s longstanding record since 2017.
Record-Breaking Concerts
The performances took place on November 21, 22, 24, and 25, with each night hosting 22,200 fans. The final concert reached an impressive 22,355 attendees, establishing it as the highest capacity show in The O2’s history. Christian D’Acuna, the Senior Programming Director of The O2, expressed gratitude and excitement for hosting Radiohead, emphasizing the special nature of the shows.
Unique Setlists and Performance Style
This tour, marking Radiohead’s first in seven years, adopted a “busking approach” to their setlists. The band played songs in any order, drawing from a selection of around 70 tracks from their extensive catalog. Additionally, they performed in the round, placing themselves in the center of the venue to enhance audience engagement.
Supporting Important Causes
In addition to breaking records, Radiohead’s concerts contributed to charitable causes. A nominal charge of €1/£1 added to ticket sales was earmarked for the LIVE Trust, which supports the UK’s live music venues and artists. Furthermore, proceeds from the European shows will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), a humanitarian organization providing vital medical assistance in crisis-stricken areas.
- Médecins Sans Frontières: Operating in 70 countries, the organization has delivered 1.2 million outpatient consultations and over 29,000 surgeries since October 7, 2023, as part of their aid efforts for Gaza.
- Samaritans: Radiohead drummer Philip Selway highlighted the band’s collaboration with this mental health charity. Samaritans volunteers collected donations during the concerts, raising awareness about male mental health issues.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Following the successful London run, Radiohead has eight remaining dates on their 2025 comeback tour. This includes four shows at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen and four at the Uber Arena in Berlin, promising more unforgettable performances for fans.
Critics’ Acclaim
The first show received a five-star review from NME, highlighting the energy and spectacle of the performance. The review praised Radiohead for mastering the arena rock experience, noting their dynamic stage presence and engaging interactions with the audience.
As Radiohead continues their tour, they not only entertain but also advocate for important social issues, leaving a lasting impact both musically and philanthropically.
