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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect spot in front of the the grand concert venue. He joined the first supporters to arrive at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as fans discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in minutes.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the performances, pointing to musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, reporters were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her surname not be shared. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester shouter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said the fan. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Some supported the band, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They always change from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those queuing up with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and experience this moment."

Nearby waited another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a early transport from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the location many hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to see numerous young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid these things. But now my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.