🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect position in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest devotees to gather at the location, overflowing with hopes for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a question regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a protester disrupter shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Thoughts

Some supported the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band play, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them live in 1995.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had been an extended period without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and share this time."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to see so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be first in line because older people avoid these things. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on mid-December.