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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal spot in front of the city's imposing arena. He joined the initial supporters to gather at the location, filled with hopes for the act's first live show in an extended period, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they perform the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was another topic 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 tour, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I didn't like that reaction." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

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

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Some stood by the band, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them in concert in 1995.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related body art. "Basically, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "There might not be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, eliciting amusement from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had come luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the group was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because older people avoid such activities. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.