🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a ideal location in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the initial supporters to arrive at the site, buzzing with expectations for the British band's first live show in seven years, starting a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold out in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the performances, referencing guitarist a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian disrupter shouted: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." Finally, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I experience music ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the leader, the politician, and his government as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

A number of defended the artists, referencing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

This time she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, causing amusement from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this event."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the show was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to encounter all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I believed I would be first in line because adults skip these things. But now I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.