🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect location in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the initial supporters to arrive at the location, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's first live show in an extended period, launching a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the fan, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as fans planned where to stand in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not respond to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event last year in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a individual concert after a protester shouter yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Views

A number of supported the artists, citing their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in 1995.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and each show in her nation of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing amusement from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the location many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "It amazed me to find all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people skip these things. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.