Devotees of Radiohead Express Overwhelming Enthusiasm for Long-Awaited Performance in Seven Years

Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the first Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, filled with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think it's real," remarked the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the performances, citing band member a member's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a question regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said a fan, 22, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," calling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer commented that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

Some stood by the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had passes for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing amusement from those waiting in line around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this event."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had come luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to find all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults don't do such activities. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.