Radiohead's Uncertain Journey: A Night of Music and Reflection

Radiohead is at a crossroads. The band is on tour without new music, a first in their 30-year career. This is a big change for a group known for always moving forward. They haven't released an album in almost a decade, and their future is unclear. Some members haven't spoken in years, and they're even using separate dressing rooms on tour. The band is also facing criticism for their stance on Israel. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement called for a boycott of their shows. This is because of their "silence" on the issue and Jonny Greenwood's collaborations with Dudu Tassa, who has performed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The Guardian even reported that they were blocked from reviewing a concert after this controversy. Despite all this, the mood at their recent concert in Madrid was positive. The band played in a circular stage setup, which seemed symbolic of their attempt to reconnect. They played a mix of hits and deep cuts, keeping the setlist fresh and unpredictable. The concert started with "Let Down, " a song that has gained new popularity on TikTok. The band was surrounded by screens, which at first felt a bit distant, but later added to the show. They played a mix of old and new songs, with some standout performances like "Myxomatosis" and "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi. " The encore started with "Fake Plastic Trees, " which felt a bit out of place. But the energy picked up with "Paranoid Android" and ended with a powerful "Karma Police. " It was a night of highs and lows, showing a band that's still searching for its direction.