Radiohead announce 2027 tour with shows in Australia and Japan
British rock band Radiohead has announced a 2027 residency-based world tour featuring 16 shows in Australia and five in Japan.
Radiohead’s 2027 Tour Marks Long-Awaited Return to Australia and Japan
British rock band Radiohead has announced a 2027 tour spanning Australia and Japan, their first global performances since 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool. The itinerary includes 16 arena shows across three Australian cities and five concerts in Saitama, Japan, marking the band’s first Australian tour in 15 years and their first visit to Japan in 19 years. The tour, described as a “residency-based world tour” by guitarist Ed O’Brien, will begin in May 2027 and conclude with a Japan leg in June.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour Start Date | May 3, 2027 (Perth) |
| Australian Cities | Perth, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Japanese Venue | GMO Arena Saitama |
| Total Shows in Australia | 16 |
| Total Shows in Japan | 5 |
| Ticket Registration Deadline | Thursday, September 10, 2026 (5pm AEST) |
Ticketing Process Aims to Ensure Fair Access
Frontier Touring, the co-promoter of the Australian leg, has launched a registration system to manage ticket distribution for the 16 shows. Fans will need to register online, with all entries treated equally regardless of submission time. Each registrant will be limited to four tickets per city, and the process will prioritize fairness over first-come-first-served sales. A portion of ticket proceeds will be directed to environmental organizations, including Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
The band’s previous Australian tours were spaced over decades, with their last major visit in 2012. Frontman Thom Yorke’s 2024 solo performances in Melbourne drew attention after a pro-Palestine protester interrupted a show, though Yorke returned to finish the set. The 2027 tour follows a 2025 European residency, during which the band performed in five cities, their first live shows in seven years.
Historical Context and Band’s Evolution
Radiohead’s first Australian tour in 1994 coincided with the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey, which featured the hit “Creep.” Subsequent visits in 1998 and 2004 solidified their reputation as a boundary-pushing act, with albums like OK Computer (1997) and Kid A (2000) redefining rock music. The band’s 2011 tour, following the release of The King of Limbs, was their last major Australian engagement before the 2027 announcement.
The 2027 tour comes amid speculation about the band’s future, as they have not released a studio album since 2016. Despite this, their live performances remain highly anticipated, with fans rushing to secure tickets upon announcement. The band’s decision to focus on a single global tour in 2027—without additional dates elsewhere—signals a strategic shift toward concentrated residencies, as outlined by O’Brien in a 2026 interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shows will Radiohead play in Australia and Japan?
Radiohead will perform 16 shows across Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, followed by five concerts in Saitama, Japan.
When does ticket registration close?
Registration for Australian shows closes on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5pm AEST.
What is the significance of this tour for Radiohead?
This marks the band’s first Australian tour in 15 years and their first visit to Japan in 19 years, following a 2025 European residency and a 2024 solo tour by Thom Yorke.
The tour’s focus on Australia and Japan underscores the band’s enduring global appeal, even as they continue to explore new artistic directions. With ticket demand expected to be fierce, the registration process aims to balance accessibility with the logistical challenges of large-scale touring. Fans will now await further details on the exact dates and potential future projects, as the band’s 2027 schedule remains their sole planned engagement for the year.
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