Radiohead reveals grief-driven seven-year hiatus ahead of Europe reunion tour

Radiohead has announced their return to live performances in late 2025 after a seven-year hiatus, with frontman Thom Yorke explaining that the band needed to stop previously because "the wheels came off a bit." Yorke revealed that part of the break was due to his personal grief following the death of his first wife, Dr. Rachel Owen, in 2016, a loss he had not fully processed at the time. He shared that music was both a source of meaning and pain during his grieving, sometimes physically hurting as he coped with trauma. Guitarist Ed O'Brien also admitted feeling disconnected from the band by the end of their last tour, even considering quitting, but rediscovered his passion for the group and their music. The upcoming tour will be their first live shows since the conclusion of their 2018 world tour for "A Moon Shaped Pool," marking a significant return for the band. Throughout the hiatus, Radiohead members dealt with personal challenges but remain committed to their music and fans going forward.