🔗 Share this article

As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a perfect location in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest devotees to gather at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the act's first live show in almost a decade, launching a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the performances, pointing to musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as delicate for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who preferred that her surname not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a protester disrupter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said the fan. "I didn't like that reaction." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere close to the leadership," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

Some stood by the band, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after becoming hooked when she first saw them performing in 1995.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed ink. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had been many seasons without playing live had introduced 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 a young fan, 20, prompting chuckles from those queuing up with him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this moment."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after catching a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was in a different era. On this day, he had arrived at the location many hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had become enamored with Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the initial person because older people don't do these events. But now my position is later."

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