Radiohead Sets New Attendance Record at London’s O2 Arena, Surpassing Metallica
Radiohead Sets Attendance Record at O2 Arena
Iconic British band Radiohead has achieved a historic milestone at London’s O2 Arena following a series of four sold-out shows earlier this month. The group has officially surpassed the venue’s attendance record, previously set by Metallica in 2017.
Performing on November 21, 22, 24, and 25, Radiohead attracted more than 22,200 fans each night, culminating in a record-breaking turnout of 22,355 attendees during their final performance. The O2 Arena confirmed this milestone via a post on X.
“These past four record-breaking nights will go down in the venue’s history, with Radiohead breaking the attendance records each night,” said Christian D’Acuna, the O2’s senior programming director. “We knew how special these exclusive shows would be and we’re so grateful to the band for bringing them to the O2. It’s been a true honor to host them, and each night they played different set lists spanning their incredible back catalogue. These shows will be remembered for years to come.”
This event marks Radiohead’s return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus from touring, which began when they performed at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center in August 2018. Their current 20-date European tour commenced on November 4 at Madrid’s Movistar Arena and includes multiple stops throughout the U.K. and Europe.
Drummer Philip Selway reflected on the reunion, stating, “Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it. After a seven-year pause, it felt really good to play the songs again and reconnect with a musical identity that has become lodged deep inside all five of us.”
Radiohead last went on hiatus following an extensive world tour supporting their 2016 album, A Moon Shaped Pool. The album solidified their status with a No. 1 ranking on the U.K. Official Albums Chart, reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and secured them a headlining slot at Coachella in 2017.
