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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the city's grand concert venue. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the site, filled with expectations for the group's first live show in almost a decade, launching a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

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 called on people to boycott the tour, pointing to guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said a fan, 22, who preferred that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a protester heckler shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to answer, said Lola. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I hear music ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as involvement," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the artists, citing their established record of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them live in 1995.

This time she had tickets for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related tattoos. "Basically, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had been many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting laughter from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. On this day, he had come at the location many hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because adults don't do these things. But now my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.