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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime location in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He was among the earliest Radiohead fans to gather at the location, filled with expectations for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the fan, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the tour, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; after reports emerged about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who preferred that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, temporarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the leadership," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

A number of defended the band, referencing their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And over time you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and experience this event."

Behind him stood another fan, who had appeared with his bags after taking a early transport from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the location more than nine hours before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these events. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on the winter date.