🔗 Share this article

In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect position in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest devotees to appear at the location, filled with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had called on people to skip the concerts, referencing guitarist a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to report on the performance. On that evening, the musicians did not reply to a question regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in backing for the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with the action." In the end, however, the songs had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I listen to music ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as agreement," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the current government," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

Several stood by the artists, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she first saw them live in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her two band-inspired ink. "Basically, I used to be a supporter of another band but they repeated the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had been seven years without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting chuckles from those standing nearby with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and experience this moment."

Nearby stood an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a morning train from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the venue many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to see so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be first in line because adults skip these things. But now I'm 25th."

After four nights in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.