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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect position in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the young man, who had come from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as fans discussed their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the performances, referencing band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a protester heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously have no power over my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

A number of supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead play, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And after a while you get bored."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and experience this time."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had appeared with his bags after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to find so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid such activities. But currently I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on 12 December.