In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a perfect location in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the site, buzzing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a 20-date tour across Europe.
"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they sing the same song again and again, I'll be content."
The wait seemed short as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.
Discussion and Supporters' Views
The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.
The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.
In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."
She referenced the situation previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"
This wasn't the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I experience their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a child."
Artist's Statement
Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."
Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.
Dedicated Fans Voice Their Views
A number of defended the artists, referencing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."
The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them live in decades ago.
This time she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you become tired."
New Generation Discovers the Fandom
With several fans, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the new tour. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this moment."
Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived luggage in hand after catching a daybreak rail from his city.
The last time the fan had seen the band was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.
Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals avoid such activities. But currently I'm further back."
After four nights in Madrid, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.
