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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the the imposing arena. He was among the first supporters to gather at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the group's first live show in seven years, launching a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the fan, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they play a single tune again and again, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to skip the concerts, pointing to musician a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as delicate for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said a fan, 22, who preferred that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the current government," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Thoughts

Several stood by the group, citing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

This time she had passes for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and each show in her nation of the European country. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And after a while you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Community

With several fans, the fact that the band had been an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing amusement from those waiting in line around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this time."

In the vicinity stood another fan, who had come luggage in hand after catching a morning train from the coastal town.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the venue over half a day before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to see so many young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people skip these events. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.