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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a prime spot in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He joined the earliest devotees to gather at the site, filled with expectations for the group's comeback performance in seven years, starting a 20-date continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the performances, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands 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 expressed their views about it before," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a personal show after a activist disrupter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Several supported the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

On this occasion she had passes for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her two band-inspired ink. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had been an extended period without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this moment."

Nearby stood another fan, who had appeared with his bags after catching a early transport from the coastal town.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "It amazed me to find numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults don't do such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.