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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the the imposing concert venue. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the site, overflowing with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to boycott the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the musicians did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who preferred that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, temporarily left the platform during a personal show after a activist shouter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the leader, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Opinions

Several supported the artists, referencing their established record of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and each show in her home country of the European country. "They always change from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And after a while you become tired."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had been an extended period without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this moment."

Nearby waited another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the venue many hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to see all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because adults avoid these things. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on mid-December.