TV On The Radio Returns: Tunde Adebimpe Reflects on the Comeback

In a thrilling announcement, indie rock band TV On The Radio is set to perform at the Just Like Heaven Festival in Pasadena on May 10, 2025. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe recently expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about returning to the stage after a five-year hiatus. For Adebimpe and his bandmates, the uncertainty surrounding the band’s revival is palpable, especially considering how dramatically the music scene can change in just a few years. “From the inside, especially if you haven’t done it for a while, it’s hard to tell,” he shares. “Maybe no one cares anymore.”

To their delight, anticipation for the band’s 11 scheduled shows later in 2024 has proven strong, with Adebimpe reporting rapid sell-outs. Their re-emergence reflects not just their dedicated fan base but also the band’s enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape. Following their sold-out shows this fall, TV On The Radio is ready to embark on a larger tour across North America and Europe in the spring and summer of 2025.

At Just Like Heaven, the festival celebrates the indie rock scene from the late ’90s and early 2000s, showcasing prominent acts like Vampire Weekend and Rilo Kiley. Adebimpe describes the festival experience as somewhat surreal, akin to flipping through a high school yearbook and reminiscing about shared experiences with other bands. “It feels like a big party every single show,” Adebimpe adds. “It’s a chance to reconnect, and we’re excited to be back and doing it.”

Reflecting on their journey as a band, Adebimpe recalls how the group formed almost serendipitously in Brooklyn during the late ’90s. He and co-founder Dave Sitek lived in a communal loft where creativity flourished in a makeshift environment. Initially without any set plans, their collaboration grew organically while they experimented with improvisational music. The abrupt shift in their lives following the tragic 9/11 attacks galvanized many artists, including TV On The Radio, to fully commit to their music careers.

With the world having faced significant changes in recent years—from the rise of digital platforms to the impacts of the pandemic—Adebimpe found himself seeking creative outlets during the band’s hiatus. This led to the release of his solo album, "Thee Black Boltz," a project that emerged somewhat unexpectedly as he sifted through years of unreleased material. He explains, “I wanted to see how far I could take these things. The pandemic hit pretty soon after that, so I had the time.” The result is a coherent collection of songs that showcases Adebimpe’s artistic evolution, blending genres and styles while also reflecting on both personal and collective experiences.

As TV On The Radio prepares for their highly anticipated comeback, Adebimpe’s insights into the realities of touring underscore the complex dynamics of artistic expression and personal fulfillment. Balancing creativity with the demands of life can be challenging, especially as artists mature. “You realize what led to that burnout to avoid,” he reflects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining passion while navigating the pressures of the music industry.

In the wake of renewed excitement and enthusiasm not only for himself but also for his bandmates, Adebimpe remains focused on the present. The prospect of touring again, particularly through festivals like Just Like Heaven, brings a vibrant energy to the band’s future. As they prepare to take the stage once more, there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie, anticipation, and readiness for what lies ahead in TV On The Radio’s journey.

Event Details: Just Like Heaven Festival
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Where: Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena
Tickets: Starting at $250 for general admission, with VIP options available.
For more info, visit Justlikeheavenfest.com.

With reflections on both the struggles and triumphs of his artistic journey, Tunde Adebimpe and TV On The Radio stand ready to reclaim their space in the indie rock scene, celebrating their legacy while crafting new memories with fans old and new.