After a seven-year absence from live performances, Radiohead made their long-awaited return on Tuesday night, November 4th at Madrid’s Movistar Arena. They delivered an incredible show that reignited excitement among fans. However, the show faced significant sound quality issues that impacted the experience for many in attendance.
The band played a 25-song set, featuring some of the most taut and tender moments from their nine studio albums. The show was opened by “Let Down,” a song from 1997’s OK Computer that has become a streaming sensation in recent months, and the song debuted at No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August to give them their first appearance on the chart since 2008’s “Nude.”
Radiohead faces sound issue during the show
Fans reported uneven acoustics throughout the venue, with the mix on the floor described as muddy and echo-heavy during the opening songs. In particular, early performances such as ‘Let Down’ suffered from a lack of clarity, with some fans struggling to hear Thom Yorke’s vocals or Jonny Greenwood’s guitar over the overpowering drums.
Many audience members moved around the arena in hopes of finding a better listening spot, as sound quality appeared to vary depending on location.
Some fans attributed the problems to the venue itself, noting that Movistar Arena was not originally designed for concerts, making it difficult to manage sound reflections in an “in the round” stage setup.
Others speculated that the absence of longtime sound engineer Jim Warren, who has been responsible for Radiohead’s acclaimed live sound for decades, may have contributed to the uneven mix.
While the audio reportedly improved as the night went on, many agreed it never reached the pristine standards typically associated with Radiohead’s live shows. Still, the band’s long-awaited comeback was met with enthusiasm and emotional energy, as fans celebrated seeing one of rock’s most esteemed acts back on stage despite the technical setbacks.
The highly anticipated show was the first of a sold-out 20-date run, which will see the band play across the U.K. and Europe – including a four-night residency at London’s O2 Arena – with shows in Madrid, Bologna, Copenhagen and Berlin through November and December. This was the first time the band had performed together live onstage since summer 2018, when they performed at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on August 1st.
