🔗 Share this article

As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect spot in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, filled with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play the same song again and again, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to skip the performances, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her last name not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian disrupter shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I was unhappy with his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as complicity," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Several supported the artists, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

This time she had passes for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she presented her couple of Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Joins the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had remained many seasons without playing live had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this time."

Nearby waited another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had come at the location many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults skip these things. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.