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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect position in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the site, buzzing with expectations for the act's comeback performance in seven years, starting a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think it's real," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

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 skip the performances, citing musician a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, temporarily left the platform during a personal show after a activist shouter yelled: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I hear their songs ... I truly desired to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

A number of defended the band, referencing their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her pair of music-related tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated similar performances. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the band had been many seasons without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after taking a early transport from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the group was 22 years ago. This time, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or lines – had developed a passion for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because older people avoid these events. But now my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.