Radiohead fans are brimming with anticipation for the band's highly-anticipated comeback, marking their first live performance in a staggering seven years. The excitement is palpable as they gear up for a 20-date European tour, with fans from all over the continent eager to witness the legendary band's return to the stage. But amidst the enthusiasm, a complex web of political and ethical considerations has emerged, particularly surrounding the band's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Francesco Puddu, a 27-year-old fan from Italy, embodies the enthusiasm of the crowd. He expresses his overwhelming excitement, feeling as if the moment is surreal. Despite the band's prolonged absence, Puddu is content with any performance, even if it means hearing the same song played repeatedly. The hours leading up to the show are filled with fans strategizing their positions in front of the circular stage, relishing in the privilege of attending a tour that sold out within minutes.
However, the war in Gaza has cast a shadow over the excitement. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel has called for a boycott of Radiohead's tour, citing the band member Jonny Greenwood's performance in Tel Aviv in 2024. This has sparked a debate among fans, with some feeling conflicted about the band's actions. Lola, a 22-year-old fan, expresses disappointment that the band didn't speak out earlier about the conflict. She recalls the incident in Melbourne last year when Thom Yorke briefly walked off stage after being heckled by a pro-Palestinian fan, and questions the band's reaction. Yet, she ultimately decides to attend the concert, driven by her love for the music.
Yorke, in a statement, addressed the incident in Melbourne, emphasizing his shock at being perceived as silent and complicit. He described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration as 'extremists' who 'need to be stopped'. Before the European tour, Yorke made it clear that he would not perform in Israel, stating he wouldn't want to be anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.
Some fans defend the band's stance, citing their long history of activism and commitment to peace. Alessandra Fossati, a long-time fan, has seen Radiohead perform over 50 times and believes they have always stood for peace. She argues that those who know the band understand their stance. However, others, like Sergio Zapater, who has been a fan for 22 years, find themselves in a new generation of fans who are less concerned with early hours and queues, drawn to Radiohead's 'evolved, elaborate, soul-touching' music.
The tour, which begins in Madrid, will continue through Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Germany, concluding on December 12th. For some fans, the urgency to attend the tour stems from the band's prolonged absence, with Luka Arreaza, 20, expressing the sentiment that there might not be another opportunity to see Radiohead live, given their age. As the tour unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how the band navigates the complex emotions and opinions of their fans, and whether their music can transcend the political tensions surrounding them.
