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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime position in front of the city's imposing arena. He was among the first supporters to appear at the venue, filled with anticipation for the group's first live show in an extended period, launching a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold out in record time.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the tour, referencing band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a activist shouter shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the right way to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I hear music ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

Some defended the group, citing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

This time she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her two music-related body art. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone many seasons without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this time."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to encounter so many youth 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 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.