As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect location in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the group's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.
"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even were they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."
The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.
Debate and Audience Responses
The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the performances, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.
This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a question regarding the choice.
In Spain, where a large number have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."
She mentioned the incident previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist disrupter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"
That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."
Band's Response
Subsequently, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."
Ahead of the performances, the singer stated that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he continued.
Longtime Supporters Express Their Thoughts
A number of stood by the band, referencing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."
The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in 1995.
For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired ink. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with similar performances. And over time you lose interest."
Recent Followers Discovers the Community
For some, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, a young man, prompting amusement from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this time."
Behind him sat another fan, who had arrived with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.
The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.
However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to see all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these things. But at present my position is later."
Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.
