British indie legends Radiohead have made music history by setting a new record for the highest attendance ever at London's iconic O2 Arena. The Oxfordshire-formed band achieved this remarkable feat during the final night of their four-performance residency at the Greenwich venue, drawing an incredible crowd of 22,355 fans.
Record-Breaking Nights at The O2
The achievement becomes even more impressive when considering that Radiohead didn't just break the record once - they shattered the previous attendance milestone on each night of their four-gig run. The band, fronted by Thom Yorke, surpassed the previous record held by metal giants Metallica since 2017. Every performance during their November residency attracted crowds exceeding 22,000 enthusiastic fans.
Christian D'Acuna, senior programming director at The O2, expressed his excitement about the historic achievement. "These past four record-breaking nights will go down in the venue's history, with Radiohead breaking the attendance records each night," he stated. "We knew how special these exclusive shows would be and we're so grateful to the band for bringing them to The O2."
A Triumphant Return After Seven Years
These landmark concerts marked Radiohead's first tour in seven years, forming part of a broader European tour that saw the band perform 20 shows across five European cities. Their London appearances took place on November 21, 22, 24, and 25, with each night featuring different setlists that spanned their extensive and celebrated back catalogue.
Drummer Philip Selway had previously hinted at the band's excitement about returning to live performances. "Last year, we got together to rehearse, just for the hell of it," he revealed when the shows were announced. "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."
Legacy of a British Music Institution
Formed at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire back in 1985, Radiohead have established themselves as one of Britain's most influential and successful bands. The group, consisting of Thom Yorke, guitarists Johnny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien, bass player Colin Greenwood, and drummer Philip Selway, boasts an impressive track record that includes:
- Six UK number one albums
- Seven UK top 10 singles
- Critically acclaimed records including OK Computer, Pablo Honey, and In Rainbows
- Iconic singles such as Creep, Paranoid Android, and No Surprises
The record-breaking O2 performances not only demonstrate Radiohead's enduring popularity but also highlight the strong connection they maintain with their fanbase after nearly four decades in the music industry. As D'Acuna perfectly summarised: "These shows will be remembered for years to come."
