Radiohead Plans Limited Global Tour Starting in 2027

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has announced that the band will embark on a global tour starting in 2027, following their successful comeback tour across the UK and Europe in late 2022. In an interview with Rolling Stone, O’Brien outlined a structured touring plan where the band will perform 20 shows each year on a different continent. He emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, stating, “We want to give absolutely everything each night,” and acknowledged the challenges of touring at their age, saying, “We’re not spring chickens anymore.”

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027Rolling Stone

O’Brien confirmed that Radiohead will not tour in 2026, as he will be promoting his solo album, *Blue Morpho*, set to release on May 22, 2023. Meanwhile, bandmate Jonny Greenwood is also preparing for his own project, *Ranjha*, in collaboration with composer Shye Ben Tzur and The Rajasthan Express, also scheduled for release in May.

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027

The band's last tour marked their first live performances in seven years and was notable for being conducted without a new album to support. This tour featured new drummer Chris Vatalaro and included a diverse setlist with songs from *In Rainbows*, *OK Computer*, *Hail to the Thief*, *The Bends*, and *Kid A*. However, the band chose to perform little from *A Moon Shaped Pool*, *Amnesiac*, and *The King of Limbs*. O’Brien noted that prior to the tour, the band rehearsed approximately 70 songs, ultimately performing 45 during the tour.

Rolling Stone

Despite the excitement surrounding the tour, some fans expressed concerns about the band's future, fearing that the lengthy hiatus and the formation of side projects, such as The Smile, might indicate a potential breakup. O’Brien had previously stated that he was “done with Radiohead” after their 2018 tour, but the recent performances reignited his passion for the band.

Rolling Stone

In his interview, O’Brien did not mention any plans for new music from Radiohead, leaving fans uncertain about the band's recording future. Greenwood echoed this uncertainty, stating he had “no idea” if the band would record another album, expressing surprise that the recent tour occurred and was well-received.

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027

As Radiohead prepares for their 2027 tour, they are looking at potential locations in North America, South America, and Asia/Oceania. The band aims to maintain a focused and high-quality performance schedule, ensuring that each show is a memorable experience for fans.

Rolling Stone

• “What we’re going to do is, every year we’re going to do a different continent, and we’re going to do 20 shows each year. No more, no less,” — Ed O’Brien, Guitarist

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027

• “We do not ever want it to be like we’re going through the motions or we’re having to run on empty.” — Ed O’Brien, Guitarist

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027

• “I mean, I’m surprised that the tour actually happened and that we all enjoyed it so much.” — Jonny Greenwood, Guitarist

Ed O’Brien Says Radiohead Will Play 20 Shows on a Different Continent Every Year Starting in 2027