Swikblog Music Desk · 1 December 2025
Radiohead have been forced to postpone the opening nights of their four-show run in Copenhagen after frontman Thom Yorke was diagnosed with what the band describe as an “extreme” throat infection. The English group were due to start their stint at the Royal Arena this evening, but confirmed just hours before doors that the first two concerts could not go ahead as planned.
In a statement shared on the band’s social channels, Radiohead said they were “devastated” to delay the dates but that Yorke’s condition had made it impossible for him to sing. The affected shows — scheduled for 1 and 2 December 2025 — have now been moved to 15 and 16 December, with tickets automatically transferred to the new nights.
Which Copenhagen shows are postponed — and which are still on?
The postponement only covers the first half of the Copenhagen residency. According to reporting in Pitchfork, the final two concerts at Royal Arena on 4 and 5 December are currently expected to go ahead, provided Yorke responds to treatment in the coming days.
Fans who hold tickets for the original 1–2 December dates do not need to rebook: existing tickets should scan as normal for the rescheduled shows on 15–16 December. Those unable to attend the new dates are being advised to contact their point of purchase for refund options, a policy echoed in guidance reported by Rolling Stone.
While Radiohead fans across Europe deal with disruption, it comes as UK commuters are also facing transport uncertainty after Zipcar announced it will shut down UK operations, forcing thousands of users to rethink last-minute travel plans.
‘We feel terrible’: band apologises to travelling fans
The late notice has hit some fans hard, particularly those who had already travelled to Denmark for opening night of the highly anticipated European comeback. Radiohead acknowledged that frustration, saying they “feel terrible” about missing the shows after being “blown away” by audiences on the early legs of the tour.
Social media has quickly filled with messages from fans sharing cancelled flights, hastily rebooked hotels and bittersweet photos from outside the venue. Others have urged patience, pointing out that Yorke’s vocal health must take priority if the remainder of the run — including four nights in Berlin from 8 December — is to go ahead safely.
First full tour in seven years hits an unwelcome bump
The Copenhagen setback comes part-way through Radiohead’s first tour since 2018, a tightly packed European itinerary visiting only five cities: Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Berlin. Early reviews have praised the band’s return to arenas, with sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena and a setlist mixing deep cuts with crowd favourites.
The hope now is that a short pause will allow Yorke, 57, to fully recover. Vocal infections can escalate quickly under touring conditions, and postponing two nights is far less damaging than pushing a singer through shows that could cause longer-term harm.
What ticket-holders should do next
- Keep your existing ticket if you still plan to attend. Barcodes should remain valid for the new dates of 15 and 16 December.
- Check your email for official communication from your ticket provider outlining any specific instructions or deadlines.
- Contact the point of purchase if you cannot attend the rescheduled shows and need a refund.
- Monitor official channels — Radiohead’s website and social feeds — for any updates on Yorke’s recovery and potential changes to the 4–5 December or Berlin shows.
For now, the band say treatment is underway and they are hopeful of being back on stage later this week. If that happens, Copenhagen will still get its four nights with Radiohead — just not quite in the order anyone expected when tickets first went on sale.
