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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal position in front of the city's massive concert venue. He was among the first supporters to appear at the venue, filled with hopes for the group's first live show in an extended period, starting a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the fan, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the tour, referencing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her last name not be revealed. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the incident previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a personal show after a activist shouter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I was unhappy with the action." In the end, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I hear music ... I truly desired to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the current government," he added.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Views

Some supported the group, citing their extensive background of activism. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had been an extended period without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, a young man, prompting laughter from those queuing up with him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this moment."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had come luggage in hand after riding a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the site over half a day before the performance was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to see all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these events. But currently my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.