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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, 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 thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, referencing band member a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have marched in backing for the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the situation previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the songs had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

A number of defended the group, citing their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she first saw them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing identical actions. And over time you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had remained seven years without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this time."

Behind him sat another fan, who had come luggage in hand after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was 22 years ago. On this day, he had arrived at the venue many hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had become enamored with Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to see so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be the initial person because older people avoid these things. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on mid-December.