🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the the massive arena. He was among the earliest devotees to arrive at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, launching a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the concerts, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who preferred that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I listen to music ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

A number of defended the band, citing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they continued with similar performances. And over time you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been many seasons without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line with him. "So it was really worth it to come here and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the venue many hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had become enamored with the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to find so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do such activities. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.