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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal position in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to musician a member's previous show in Israel.

This issue appears to be contentious for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the group did not reply to a question regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where a large number have marched in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be published. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a protester heckler shouted: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to answer, said Lola. "I was unhappy with his response." Ultimately, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

Some supported the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

This time she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And over time you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without performing together had brought a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this time."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be first in line because adults skip these events. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.