Radiohead’s Comeback Tour Delivers Unforgettable Performances in Bologna

Radiohead kicked off the second leg of their highly anticipated European comeback tour with a jaw-dropping performance at the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy, on November 17. Known for their unpredictable setlists and groundbreaking performances, the band delighted fans by playing two rarely heard tracks from their extensive catalogue: ‘Kid A’ and ‘Talk Show Host’, marking their first-ever appearances on this tour.

The concert, which was the third of four scheduled shows at the venue, was a 25-song spectacle that included hits from Radiohead’s wide-ranging discography. For the first time on this tour, the band performed ‘Kid A’, the title track from their groundbreaking 2000 album of the same name. Interestingly, ‘Idioteque’, another fan favourite from ‘Kid A’, had originally been listed as a potential replacement on the printed setlist for this spot, but it was ‘Kid A’ that made its long-awaited return to the stage.

Later in the set, ‘Talk Show Host’—a B-side from their 1996 album ‘The Bends’—made its live debut, a true rarity that sent fans into a frenzy. The track, which had never been performed on this tour before, is considered one of the band’s standout B-sides, and its appearance was a nostalgic treat for fans who had been clamoring for it.

Fans React to Radiohead’s Bold Choices

The performance of ‘Kid A’ and ‘Talk Show Host’ quickly became the talk of the internet, with fans flooding YouTube and social media platforms to share their excitement. One fan commented: “Was waiting for this one and ‘TSH’ since the first show. Thom doesn’t play that little synth he usually does on ‘Kid A’ this time.” Another fan said, “No fricking way they did ‘Talk Show Host’. Goated!” As expected, these rare performances have sparked conversation across social media, with many fans expressing a desire to hear more B-sides from ‘The Bends’ on future dates of the tour.

Setlist: A Mix of Classics and Surprises

Radiohead’s setlist from the Bologna concert was a carefully curated mix of their iconic hits and deep cuts. Here’s a rundown of the tracks performed:

Radiohead’s “Busking” Approach to Setlists

Radiohead’s current tour has taken on an exciting new approach. As bassist Colin Greenwood explained in a recent interview, the band is embracing a “busking approach” to their live shows, which means they can perform songs in any order they wish, selecting from a setlist of around 70 tracks. This approach has created a sense of spontaneity, making each concert a unique experience for fans.

Greenwood also hinted that there may be new material in the works, though he remained tight-lipped: “It’s going to be the first time I think we’ve done shows where we haven’t got new material to play as work in progress,” he said, before teasing, “But you never know, some stuff might come up or not or whatever.”

What’s Next for Radiohead?

Radiohead’s European comeback tour continues with a fourth and final night in Bologna on November 18 before heading to London, Copenhagen, and Berlin later this month and into December. Fans are eagerly awaiting what surprises might be in store, especially considering the band’s knack for pulling out rare gems from their extensive catalogue. Keep an eye on the rest of the tour for more unexpected debuts, B-sides, and, of course, the classics that make Radiohead’s live shows legendary.

Radiohead’s most recent album, ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’, was released in 2016, and while there has been no official word on new material, fans are hoping that the band’s reunion on stage could signal a new chapter in their musical journey. However, as Thom Yorke has mentioned in interviews, the band members are currently pursuing individual projects, leaving fans wondering when—if ever—the next Radiohead album might emerge.

For now, Radiohead’s 2026 European tour continues to be one of the most talked-about events in music, with each concert adding more legendary moments to their already storied career.

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