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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 grand Movistar Arena. He joined the earliest supporters to arrive at the location, overflowing with hopes for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, launching a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the fan, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

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

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the concerts, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her last name not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler called out: "How many children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I experience the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the leader, the politician, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

Several defended the group, pointing to their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And after a while you become tired."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing amusement from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity sat Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had reached at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because older people skip these events. But currently I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.