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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal position in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to gather at the venue, filled with anticipation for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member a member's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her surname not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a personal show after a protester shouter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I experience the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Opinions

Several defended the artists, referencing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead play, after becoming hooked when she first saw them performing in the mid-nineties.

This time she had tickets for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired ink. "Essentially, I used to be a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And over time you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, eliciting laughter from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity stood another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a morning train from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had arrived at the location over half a day before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or waiting – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter all these young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do these events. But at present I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on mid-December.