Imagine waiting seven long years for your favorite band to reunite on stage—the anticipation, the nostalgia, and the sheer excitement. That’s exactly what Radiohead fans are feeling right now, as the iconic British band prepares to kick off their first live show in nearly a decade. But here’s where it gets controversial: amidst the buzz, the band faces a boycott call from pro-Palestine campaigners, reigniting debates about art, activism, and accountability. Let’s dive into this electrifying yet complex moment in music history.
As the sun began to paint the Madrid sky, Francesco Puddu, a 27-year-old fan from Italy, secured a prime spot outside the Movistar Arena. ‘I’m incredibly excited,’ he gushed. ‘It doesn’t even feel real. Even if they play the same song 20 times, I’ll be happy.’ His sentiment echoed among the crowd, many of whom had traveled far and wide to witness this rare event. The tour, spanning 20 European dates, sold out in minutes, leaving fans both thrilled and privileged to be part of it.
But the excitement wasn’t without its shadows. The ongoing war in Gaza has cast a pall over the tour, with the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel urging fans to boycott the shows. The reason? Band member Jonny Greenwood’s 2024 performance in Tel Aviv. And this is the part most people miss: the band’s response—or lack thereof—has left some fans conflicted, especially in Spain, where pro-Palestine protests have drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets.
‘It would have been nice if they had spoken out earlier,’ said Lola, a 22-year-old fan who wished to withhold her last name. ‘As a Radiohead fan, I was a bit disappointed. But I think they’ve learned their lesson.’ She referenced the 2024 Melbourne incident, where frontman Thom Yorke walked off stage after being heckled by a pro-Palestinian activist. ‘I didn’t like that reaction,’ Lola admitted. Yet, her love for the music prevailed. ‘I can’t control what I feel when I listen to them. I’ve been a fan since I was 12.’
Yorke later addressed the controversy, stating he was ‘shocked’ that his silence was interpreted as complicity. He labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration as ‘extremists’ who ‘need to be stopped.’ In a recent interview, Yorke declared he would ‘absolutely not’ perform in Israel, adding, ‘I wouldn’t want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime.’
Despite the backlash, some fans staunchly defend the band, citing their history of activism. ‘They’ve always stood for peace,’ said Alessandra Fossati, who was attending her 50th Radiohead concert. ‘People who know them understand they’re on the right side.’ Alessandra, who first saw the band in 1995, has tickets for five shows on this tour, including the Madrid opener and all performances in her home country, Italy. ‘They’re always evolving,’ she said, proudly displaying her Radiohead-themed tattoos. ‘Unlike U2, who kept doing the same thing, Radiohead keeps it fresh.’
For others, the seven-year hiatus has added a sense of urgency to the tour. ‘Radiohead isn’t getting any younger,’ joked 20-year-old Luka Arreaza. ‘This might be our last chance to see them live.’ Meanwhile, 53-year-old Sergio Zapater, who last saw the band 22 years ago, arrived nine hours early, only to find himself 25th in line. ‘I was surprised to see so many young fans,’ he laughed. ‘I thought I’d be first because older fans don’t do this. Guess I was wrong!’
After four nights in Madrid, the tour heads to Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Germany, wrapping up on December 12. But here’s the question: Can Radiohead’s music transcend the controversies surrounding them, or will their legacy be forever intertwined with these political debates? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
