Devotees of Radiohead Express Incredible Anticipation for First Concert in Nearly a Decade

In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime position in front of the city's grand arena. He was among the initial devotees to gather at the site, filled with anticipation for the act's first live show in seven years, launching a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the performances, citing band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the situation previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester heckler shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly cannot manage my emotions when I experience music ... I was determined to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Some supported the band, pointing to their long history of activism. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of music-related ink. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity 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, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip these events. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.