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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the first Radiohead fans to gather at the location, filled with hopes for the act's first live show in seven years, starting a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the performances, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be shared. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the incident previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a protester heckler shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I experience the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the official, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Views

Some supported the artists, citing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had been seven years without appearing as a group had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those queuing up with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and experience this time."

Nearby waited another fan, who had come carrying his things after catching a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the band was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to see all these youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these events. But currently my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on 12 December.