Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien Opens Up About Possible Touring Plans

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has shared that the group is planning a return to live performances, introducing a more balanced touring strategy aimed at avoiding exhaustion.

The alternative rock group stepped back onto the live circuit in 2025 after being away from touring for seven years, performing a select number of concerts around Europe including Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin.

During an interview with Rolling Stone, Ed explained that the band has mapped out a future strategy where they will play smaller runs of concerts instead of the lengthy global tours they previously became known for.

When asked whether more shows are planned, he said: “It’s definitely happening.

“What we’re going to do is, every year we’re going to do a different continent, and we’re going to do 20 shows each year. No more, no less.”

He also mentioned that Radiohead have no plans to be active during 2026, although they are hoping to come back together in the year after.

He said: “We won’t do anything this year, but we’ll do something next year,” he said.

Ed said the thinking behind this new touring format is to protect the band’s stamina and make sure each concert remains special.

He said: “We want to give absolutely everything each night.

“We do not ever want it to be like we’re going through the motions or we’re having to run on empty. We’ve got to be able to do it. And you know what? We’re not spring chickens anymore.”

The musician also opened up about how he felt after Radiohead finished their touring cycle in 2018, revealing that he was mentally and artistically worn out at the time.

He said: “I was done with Radiohead.

“It had got to a place where I just wasn’t enjoying it. I just didn’t resonate with it anymore, and I wanted to do my own thing… I think we’d run out of road. We’d run out of inspiration.”

Even though he had doubts, Ed said he chose to complete the tour alongside the rest of the band.

He said: “The others said they wanted to tour. I didn’t really want to tour, and they knew that. But I did it and I’m glad I did. I saw it through to the end.”

Radiohead lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood also recently shared his thoughts, saying he was surprised the most recent tour even took place, while also saying the future remains uncertain for the Creep hitmakers.

He told The Times newspaper: "I’m surprised that the tour actually happened and that we all enjoyed it so much."

Talking about possible future concerts, he added: "Venues get booked so far in advance. To do another we would have to decide now, and even then it wouldn’t happen for 18 months."