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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the the massive arena. He was among the first devotees to arrive at the site, filled with expectations for the act's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the performances, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the incident previously in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist heckler shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

It was not the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I experience their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

Several stood by the band, referencing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her two music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had been an extended period without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this event."

Nearby sat an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the site many hours before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to find so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because older people avoid such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on 12 December.