🔗 Share this article

In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal position in front of the the massive arena. He stood with the first supporters to gather at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the group's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," remarked the fan, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play one track again and again, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as attendees discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, reporters were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a protester disrupter called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Subsequently, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the official, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

A number of stood by the group, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in the mid-nineties.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do similar shows," she said as she presented her couple of music-related body art. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Joins the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and share this moment."

Nearby waited another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after taking a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults don't do such activities. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.