🔗 Share this article

As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect spot in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to gather at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue 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 boycott the tour, citing guitarist a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to report on the opening night. 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 backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her last name not be shared. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the event earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a individual concert after a protester heckler called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I was unhappy with the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," labeling the leader, the politician, and his regime as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Views

Several defended the artists, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group play, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

This time she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she presented her pair of Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a early transport from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the site over half a day before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to find so many young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals avoid these things. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on 12 December.