Illness disrupts a long-awaited tour
Radiohead have postponed two shows in Copenhagen after frontman Thom Yorke was diagnosed with what the band called a “severe throat infection.” The concerts, originally scheduled for December 1 and 2 at the Royal Arena, have been pushed to December 15 and 16. The group said Yorke is currently unable to sing and is receiving treatment, making it impossible to perform without risking further damage to his voice. Fans were told their existing tickets will be valid for the new dates.

The cancellations add new pressure to an already tight European tour schedule. Radiohead are due to play four consecutive nights at Berlin’s Uber Arena from December 8 to 12, a run that was already pushing the band’s limits after seven years away from major touring. Still, Radiohead expressed gratitude for the energy they have felt from audiences so far, saying the response had been “overwhelming” and had reaffirmed their decision to return to live performance.

A symbolic return to the stage
This tour marks the first time since the late 2010s that the full band has reunited for a sustained series of shows. Members have spoken about how casual rehearsals eventually reignited a shared musical identity, persuading them to take the leap back into large arenas. With no confirmed shows announced for 2026, each performance on the current tour carries extra emotional weight—not just for fans, but for the band members themselves.

Yorke’s vocal style—stretching from restrained falsetto to soaring, high-energy passages—places heavy physical demands on his voice even under ideal conditions. Medical advice for severe throat infections typically requires rest, hydration, and avoiding talking or singing for days at a time. In this context, postponement was the safest option, even if it disappointed thousands who had planned their travel around the shows. Fans unable to attend the new dates will be offered refunds at the original point of purchase.

Hope for recovery and smooth remaining shows
For many followers, the short delay feels like a small price to pay to ensure Yorke’s long-term vocal health. Online, fans have posted messages wishing him a quick recovery, often noting how emotionally charged the first few concerts of the tour have been. Some wrote that they would “wait as long as it takes” if it means hearing the band perform at full strength.

Looking ahead, Radiohead still have several major European dates before the year ends, and the hope is that Yorke will recover in time to keep the remaining schedule intact. The rescheduled Copenhagen shows now bookend the band’s Berlin run, creating an even denser block of performances. The coming weeks will test how well the band can balance artistic momentum with the physical limits of touring.