🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect position in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the site, overflowing with anticipation for the act's first live show in an extended period, kicking off a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to avoid the tour, pointing to guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, 22, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the situation last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I clearly can't control my emotions when I experience music ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Some supported the group, citing their established record of activism. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone many seasons without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing amusement from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and share this event."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the concert 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 early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.