"This system is worst": Fans frustrated as they miss out on Radiohead tour tickets due to presale unlock code system

Radiohead last performed together in 2018 during their A Moon Shaped Pool tour. They recently announced a return to the stage in late 2025. However, while the excitement around their comeback tour was notable, the way tickets are being sold has created frustration among fans.

Ahead of general sales, fans were told they had to register for special "unlock codes" to access presale tickets. According to the organizers, this was done to reduce scalping and prevent bots from grabbing large batches of tickets. However, many followers were left without a chance to buy tickets, even if they had the codes.

Many fans logged on to discover that there were more codes distributed than available seats. It meant that a percentage of people will miss out no matter what. One fan reacted by saying:

"Hey @radiohead, this system is worst than letting people just try their luck buying the tickets all together. Here I feel you’re not even giving me the chance to try 😅. From someone who has been following the band for 30 years."

According to reports, Radiohead's 2025 tour organizers issued unlock codes equal to 120% of the venue's capacity across all shows at that location. This system created a lottery-like scramble that some fans have described as "devastating" and "the worst way to sell tickets." Some fans also questioned why Radiohead did not use their W.A.S.T.E. platform to handle ticketing.

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Internet reactions to the "worst" ticket system for Radiohead's 2025 trek

A notable number of fans have been taking to social media platforms to voice their disappointment over the ticketing system. Below are some of their reactions:

"I know I have already seen them 3 times, but been a fan for 30 years, plus I own all their albums on both CD and vinyl. Never mind I suppose. Time to let new fans see them.", shared a fan.

"I am in the same boat! this is bonkers! It's supposed to help fans get tickets & stop the touts but this system seems even worse! Can't believe it!", expressed another.

""Thank you for registering your details for tickets to Radiohead Europe 2025. Unfortunately, you have not been randomly allocated an unlock code for this Friday's sale.” 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔", commented a third.

Others also chimed in:

"Gutted does not even cover it, been a huge fan of Radiohead for over 28 years, one of my absolute favourite bands & now I won't even have an opportunity to TRY to get tickets on Friday due to this set up, whereas I have heard others have had multiple unlock emails. RNG upon RNG.", penned a netizen.

"I yearn for the days you got on a bus, got in a queue, and bought a paper ticket to a gig you wanted to go to. These days everyone and their dog registers while they're sat on the pot. This 'random' nonsense means I'm not even allowed in the digital queue.", stated a third.