Radiohead fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation after news broke of the band’s Beautiful Distortion Tour set to roll out in 2026. Nearly a decade into their storied career, the Oxford-formed quintet have once again captured the collective imagination of their audience by hinting at a global journey built around introspection, sonic innovation, and the atmospheric tension that has defined their music for more than 30 years. Although details are still emerging, the very idea of a tour with such a resonant name has already reignited discussions about Radiohead’s evolving artistic identity and what surprises they might have in store for live audiences next year.
What makes this upcoming run particularly intriguing is its reportedly expansive scope. Unlike the band’s 2025 stadium and arena dates across Europe — which marked their long-awaited return to the stage after a seven-year hiatus — the Beautiful Distortion Tour is poised to take them far beyond their familiar strongholds in the U.K. and continental arenas, reaching into North America, Asia, and Australasia. Fans are expecting a mix of deep cuts, classic favorites, and perhaps even unreleased material, all delivered with the immersive production values that Radiohead has become known for. The global nature of this tour suggests a band eager not just to reconnect with existing fans, but to create new, unforgettable live experiences across continents.
This tour talk has sparked excitement not only because of the band’s legendary back catalog, but because Radiohead have always approached live performance as an extension of their artistic vision. From the eerie ambiance of OK Computer to the textured abstraction of Kid A and the emotional depth of A Moon Shaped Pool, Radiohead’s music invites listeners into a liminal space where distortion and beauty coexist. A tour embracing that duality in its name feels apt — and many in the music press and fan communities have interpreted it as a sign that the band intends to push their live show into even more experimental territory in 2026.
As it stands, early dates and cities reportedly linked with the Beautiful Distortion Tour include a broad array of international stops: May 6 in Lisbon, Portugal at Estádio da Luz; May 10 in Barcelona, Spain at Estadi Olímpic; May 14 in Paris, France at Stade de France; May 18 in Berlin, Germany at Olympiastadion; May 22 (two nights) in London, U.K. at Wembley Stadium; June 2 in New York City, USA at Madison Square Garden; June 6 in Toronto, Canada at Scotiabank Arena; June 10 in Chicago, USA at United Center; June 15 in Los Angeles, USA at SoFi Stadium; June 22 in Mexico City, Mexico at Foro Sol; July 4 in São Paulo, Brazil at Allianz Parque; July 12 in Tokyo, Japan at Tokyo Dome; and July 18 in Sydney, Australia at Accor Stadium. These dates and locations suggest an ambitious global itinerary that, if confirmed, will make 2026 one of the most exciting years in Radiohead’s live history.
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