Music fans across the globe are in disbelief and delight as Radiohead and The Smiths have officially announced a joint world tour, marking one of the most unexpected and historic collaborations in modern music history. The announcement dropped early this week and instantly sent shockwaves through the alternative and indie music communities.
The tour brings together two of the most influential British bands of all time, each with a legacy that shaped generations of artists and listeners. Radiohead’s experimental evolution and emotional depth paired with The Smiths’ poetic melancholy promise a live experience unlike anything seen before.
According to the official statement, the tour will kick off in June 2026 in London, the hometown that played a pivotal role in both bands’ origins. The opening night is expected to be a massive celebration of British alternative music, drawing fans from every corner of the world.
Following the London launch, the tour will travel across Europe, with confirmed stops in Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Rome. Manchester, in particular, holds deep emotional weight as The Smiths’ birthplace and is already being described as one of the most anticipated dates on the tour.
The bands will then head to North America, performing in major cities including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Mexico City. These shows are expected to sell out within minutes, given both bands’ immense cult followings and limited touring history.
After North America, the tour continues to South America, with dates revealed for São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Bogotá. South American fans, long known for their passion and loyalty, have taken to social media to express overwhelming excitement.
The Asia-Pacific leg will include performances in Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. This marks a rare appearance for The Smiths in the region, adding to the significance of the tour for fans who never thought they would see the band live.
Each night of the tour will reportedly feature full individual sets from both bands, followed by a special closing segment where select songs are performed collaboratively. While details remain tightly guarded, rumors suggest unique arrangements and reimagined classics.
Thom Yorke described the tour as “a meeting of shared emotional language across time,” while representatives for The Smiths emphasized the importance of honoring their legacy while offering something meaningful to longtime supporters.
The production is expected to be minimalist yet immersive, blending atmospheric lighting, striking visuals, and carefully curated setlists that span decades of iconic material. Fans can expect classics, deep cuts, and a few surprises along the way.
Ticket sales are scheduled to begin later this month, with presales available for registered fans. Due to unprecedented demand, organizers have warned that additional dates may be added in select cities.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: the Radiohead and The Smiths joint world tour is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about musical events of the decade, a once-in-a-lifetime moment where past and present collide on the global stage.
