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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal spot in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the site, filled with expectations for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold out in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the performances, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where a large number have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a activist heckler shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as complicity," labeling the official, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

Several stood by the band, referencing their long history of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them performing in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had been many seasons without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this time."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. This time, he had come at the venue many hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or lines – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to see numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these things. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on the winter date.