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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal location in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the initial supporters to arrive at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, starting a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they perform the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees discussed where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to boycott the tour, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "How many children killed will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of that reaction." Ultimately, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I experience their songs ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Several supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had passes for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this event."

Nearby stood another fan, who had come luggage in hand after taking a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had fallen for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to see all these young people here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid such activities. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.