In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to gather at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the group's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.
"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should 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 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 a very short time.
Controversy and Audience Responses
The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the tour, citing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.
The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.
Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."
She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a activist heckler yelled: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the violence in Gaza?"
That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the fan. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was 12 years old."
Artist's Statement
Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as involvement," describing the official, the politician, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."
Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he remarked.
Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions
A number of defended the artists, citing their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the correct side."
The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she first saw them live in decades ago.
On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And over time you become tired."
New Generation Embraces the Fandom
For some, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without playing live had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, causing laughter from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and experience this time."
Nearby waited an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a early transport from his city.
The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the site more than nine hours before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.
Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to see numerous youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid these events. But now I'm further back."
Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.
