🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal location in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial devotees to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the act's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, media representatives were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the group did not answer to a question regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her surname not be published. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the incident last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a protester shouter shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

A number of supported the band, referencing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she first saw them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone seven years without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting amusement from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity waited an attendee, who had arrived carrying his things after riding a morning train from his city.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do these things. But now I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.