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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal position in front of the the grand arena. He was among the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the site, overflowing with hopes for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had called on people to boycott the tour, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where a large number have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a activist disrupter shouted: "How many children killed will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over my emotions when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the singer commented that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance close to the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Several supported the artists, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed ink. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without performing together had brought a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to come here and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the venue over half a day before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to find all these youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid these events. But now I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on the winter date.