Radiohead Announce 16 Australian Shows for 2027 in First Tour Down Under in 15 Years

British rock legends Radiohead will return to Australia in May 2027 to play 16 shows across Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, marking their first tour of the country in 15 years. The run kicks off at Perth’s RAC Arena on 3 May, following a registration portal launch designed to combat scalping for the massive demand expected across all dates.

What Is Happening

Radiohead have officially confirmed a major Australian tour for May 2027, featuring 16 arena performances across three capital cities. The band will play four shows at Perth’s RAC Arena, six dates at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, and six dates in Sydney. Co-promoter Frontier Touring has launched a ballot-style registration system to manage high ticket demand and limit unauthorized scalping, with registrations closing at 5pm AEST on Thursday, 10 September.

The Background

Australian fans have waited a long time for this. Radiohead first toured the country back in 1994 in small venues following their debut album Pablo Honey and breakthrough single Creep. Subsequent tours in 1998, 2004, and 2012 saw them play packed arenas as they evolved from guitar-heavy rock to the experimental electronic sounds of Kid A. Their last full-band Australian visit was after the release of 2011's The King of Limbs.

Frontman Thom Yorke did visit Australia for a solo tour in 2024, though one Melbourne performance made headlines when he briefly walked off stage after being heckled by a protester before returning to close with "Karma Police". As a full five-piece band, Radiohead took a seven-year hiatus from live performing before returning to European stages last year. They have not released a studio album since 2016's A Moon Shaped Pool, but their live pull remains massive.

The Latest Development

The announcement confirms rumours sparked across the country when cryptic promotional cards were spotted in Australian cities. Alongside the Australian dates, Radiohead announced five shows at the GMO Arena Saitama near Tokyo, which will mark their first live appearances in Japan in 19 years.

To access tickets, fans must complete an online registration via Frontier Touring. Successful registrants will receive emails from Friday, September 11 with instructions on how to purchase tickets during the official sale next week. Purchases are strictly capped at four tickets per city per buyer.

What It Means

With no new music on the immediate horizon, this 2027 visit represents a rare chance for local audiences to experience one of modern rock's most influential acts. The extended six-night stays in Melbourne and Sydney reflect the huge backlog of demand created by a 15-year hiatus. The ticket ballot process is designed to ensure genuine fans get access rather than automated reseller bots.

What Remains Unclear

It has not been confirmed whether Radiohead will release new material prior to the May 2027 tour dates. Additionally, exact pricing categories for the venue seats across Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney have not yet been disclosed by organizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Radiohead touring Australia?

Radiohead will perform 16 dates across Australia in May and early June 2027, starting in Perth on 3 May.

Which Australian cities are on the tour?

The tour stops in three cities: Perth (RAC Arena), Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena), and Sydney.

How do I register for tickets?

Fans must sign up on the online portal managed by Frontier Touring before 5pm AEST on Thursday, 10 September.

What is the ticket limit per buyer?

Tickets are capped at a maximum of four per customer for each city.

When was Radiohead's last Australian tour?

The band last toured Australia in 2012 following the release of their 2011 album The King of Limbs.