Thom Yorke says Radiohead reunion tour caused “massive” crash in self-confidence: “It took me months”

Radiohead's highly anticipated reunion tour in late 2025 not only marked the band's return to the stage after more than seven years but also presented unexpected emotional challenges for frontman Thom Yorke. According to a recent conversation featured on nme.com, Yorke disclosed that the post-tour period triggered a profound dip in his self-confidence, requiring several months to overcome.

The tour, which spanned 20 arena performances across major European cities such as Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin, was met with widespread acclaim. Yet, despite the crowd's enthusiasm and the evident joy during the concerts, Yorke admitted that the aftermath was mentally taxing. The experience of revisiting Radiohead's past work on such a grand scale stirred complex feelings, highlighting his ambivalent relationship with his own artistic legacy.

In an interview with Harry Styles for Rolling Stone, Yorke elaborated on this internal conflict, particularly in the context of receiving the prestigious Academy Fellowship at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards. While recognizing the honor and expressing respect for previous recipients who are among his personal inspirations, Yorke conveyed a sense of disorientation and detachment from this recognition of his past achievements.

The singer emphasized that his creative focus remains firmly rooted in future projects rather than revisiting former successes. He described the process of moving forward as more natural and easier to embrace, as it involves fresh ideas without the weight of legacy or expectation. This forward momentum was pivotal in helping him recover his confidence after the tour concluded.

Yorke revealed that it was only after he resumed work on his solo album, beginning roughly two months post-tour, that he began to regain his artistic assurance. This new solo effort, produced alongside Sam Petts-Davies, promises to differ significantly from his previous material, though details about its sound and direction remain limited.

Despite these challenges, Yorke also reflected on the emotional intensity of the reunion itself. He recounted the overwhelming sensation experienced during the opening night in Madrid, where the band’s walk through the crowd toward the stage evoked a powerful, almost tearful response from all members. This moment underscored how deeply the band members felt their reconnection with audiences after such a prolonged hiatus.

The interplay between personal vulnerability and public performance surfaced again at the Ivor Novello ceremony, where Yorke acknowledged the genuine and heartfelt tribute paid by Harry Styles, who named Radiohead as his favorite band and referenced a personal connection to their song "Talk Show Host." Yorke contrasted this sincerity with the more impersonal dynamics of industry events, expressing discomfort with the legacy-driven nature of such occasions.

Looking ahead, Radiohead have announced plans to extend their reunion tour into 2027, with a series of 21 dates scheduled across Australia and Japan. However, Yorke noted that the band has not reconvened in the studio for new recordings, leaving the status of future Radiohead albums uncertain.

Critical reception to their recent live performances has been overwhelmingly positive. NME’s five-star review of their London show highlighted the band’s dynamic energy, thoughtful stagecraft, and Yorke’s commanding presence. The review praised Radiohead’s ability to excel in large arenas, a setting they once approached with hesitation.

In summary, Thom Yorke’s reflections reveal the nuanced emotional landscape behind Radiohead’s celebrated reunion, balancing the exhilaration of reconnecting with fans against the personal difficulties of revisiting a storied past. His journey underscores the complexities artists face in managing legacy and creative evolution simultaneously.