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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect position in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a 20-date continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were denied from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said a fan, 22, who asked that her last name not be published. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the incident last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to answer, said the fan. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly can't control my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the leader, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

Some defended the band, citing their established record of social engagement. "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, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band perform, after developing a passion when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related ink. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

With several fans, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, a young man, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had come with his bags after riding a early transport from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the site many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be first in line because older people avoid these things. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.