🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a prime location in front of the city's grand arena. He joined the first devotees to gather at the location, filled with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the young man, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted where to position themselves 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 sold out in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, citing band member a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who preferred that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a protester shouter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

It was not the right way to respond, said Lola. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the leader, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Thoughts

Several stood by the group, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in 1995.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had been seven years without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, prompting laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this event."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after riding a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to find so many young people here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be the initial person because adults skip these events. But at present I'm 25th."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on mid-December.