Radiohead ticketing controversy shadows return to stage

Radiohead’s return to the stage has been overshadowed by a controversy over ticketing after fans were denied access to codes needed to buy seats for the band’s November 2025 UK and European residencies and resale platforms listed thousands of speculative tickets at steep prices. The group opened registration for a limited-sale system that required fans to register on the band’s website and wait for an unlock code; codes and a general sale followed in mid-September, but many registrants said they did not receive codes and shows quickly sold out.

The band’s manager, Julie Calland, defended the registration process as an attempt to deliver tickets directly to fans at the prices intended by the band, saying it was designed to thwart touts. Under the system, registrants could apply for an unlock code and purchases were prioritised for those living close to the venues. Still, social media posts and video clips showed disappointed fans who said they did not receive codes and others who were kicked out of the ticketing platform’s queue during purchase, with messages labelling them as suspected bots.

AXS, which managed the onsale, apologised to customers, saying demand was exceptionally...