Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a ideal location in front of the the imposing arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to appear at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.
"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the young man, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."
The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold out in record time.
Controversy and Supporters' Views
The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the performances, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.
The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from obtaining tickets to report on the performance. On that evening, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.
In Spain, where a large number have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they realized their mistake."
She referenced the situation previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian disrupter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"
That wasn't the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was 12 years old."
Band's Response
Subsequently, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "must be halted."
Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the current government," he added.
Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts
Several supported the group, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the just side."
The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them live in decades ago.
For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And over time you become tired."
New Generation Joins the Fandom
Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been seven years without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting amusement from those waiting in line with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and experience this event."
In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a morning train from Valencia.
The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had come at the venue over half a day before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.
However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be first in line because older people skip these events. But currently I'm further back."
Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.
