🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a ideal position in front of the city's massive concert venue. He joined the initial devotees to arrive at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the British band's first live show in seven years, kicking off a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they perform the same song again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the tour, pointing to musician a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler called out: "How many children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to answer, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

A number of defended the group, referencing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she showed off her two music-related ink. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone seven years without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting amusement from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after catching a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the venue over half a day before the show was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to find numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people skip these things. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on mid-December.