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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal spot in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the act's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," remarked the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to skip the concerts, referencing band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to cover the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a activist disrupter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the melodies had won her over. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Several defended the artists, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And over time you lose interest."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and experience this moment."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had come at the site many hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter so many youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because older people don't do these events. But now I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.