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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect spot in front of the city's grand concert venue. He was among the first Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they perform one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the tour, pointing to band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the band did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a protester disrupter shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Ultimately, however, the melodies had won her over. "I obviously can't control what I feel when I experience their songs ... I truly desired to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts

A number of supported the band, citing their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had passes for multiple performances: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of music-related body art. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with similar performances. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had been an extended period without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, eliciting amusement from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this moment."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after taking a morning train from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or lines – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to find so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.