🔗 Share this article

As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal location in front of the the imposing arena. He joined the earliest Radiohead fans to appear at the site, filled with anticipation for the group's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the fan, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they perform one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had called on people to avoid the tour, referencing band member a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On that evening, the band did not respond to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a personal show after a activist disrupter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to react, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I experience the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

Several stood by the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the those familiar with them, know that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them live in decades ago.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related ink. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated the same things. And eventually you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this time."

Nearby waited another fan, who had appeared with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or lines – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults avoid these events. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.