A BRITISH rock band has been forced to postpone two huge gigs this week after the lead singer was struck down by an “extreme” illness.
The group, best-known for tracks including Creep and Karma Police, were due to take to the stage at Copenhagen‘s Royal Arena today and tomorrow, December 2.
Yet Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, 57, has suffered a throat infection which has made it “impossible” to sing – and the unwell star is still undergoing treatment.
The band has now issued a statement in which they admitted they were “devastated” to let their fans in Denmark down hours before they were due to take to the stage.
The rockers also revealed the re-scheduled dates for the shows – and gig-goers won’t have to wait too long.
In a message addressing the sad news, the band wrote: “We are devastated to have to postpone these two shows at such short notice but Thom’s throat infection has made it impossible for him to sing.
“Treatment is underway and we’re hopeful Thom will recover in time to play the final two Copenhagen shows on Dec 4 and 5, and all four Berlin shows, starting on Dec 8.
“We have been so blown away by the audience reactions on these dates and are loving being back onstage again; needless to say we feel terrible that we are unable to play tonight and tomorrow.”
The December 1 and 2 shows have been rescheduled for December 15 and 16 respectively.
Tickets for the new gigs will automatically be transferred to the corresponding date, yet those requiring a refund have been asked to contact their point of purchase.
Fans were quick to take to Instagram after the news broke – with some already flying in from across the world to attend the show.
One commented: “Sort of expected this after Monday’s show tbh… feel better soon Thom! Much love.”
A second put: “Get well, Thom! Love u.”
A third then posted: “Get well soon Thom. Some rest will do you good. Love to all the band members and all the fans.”
Yet others were less than impressed at the last minute change of plan.
One sarcastically put: “Thank you for informing us like two hours before we go to the stadium. Btw, we flew from Greece.”
Another added: “I got in from California yesterday,” with a crying Emoji face.
A fan then ranted: “OMG. I travelled here and spent So much money for this!”
TOUR CHAOS
Radiohead announced their 2025 tour after a seven-year absence back in September.
The British band told how they would play at London’s O2 Arena for four nights with dates in Berlin, Bologna, Copenhagen and Madrid also confirmed.
The gigs marked the first time the group would have performed together since 2018, when they wrapped up their Moon Shaped Pool tour in the US.
Since then lead vocalist Thom and guitarist Jonny Greenwood have toured with their side project The Smile alongside drummer Tom Skinner.
But their most recent tour of Europe in July 2024 was cancelled when Greenwood was rushed into intensive care after falling “dangerously” ill.
The band’s current sold-out tour is due to wrap at with a four-night run at the Uber Arena in Berlin, wrapping on December 12.
During the ticket-buying process, fans were left less than impressed and branded it “the worst experience of my life”.