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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He was among the first supporters to gather at the site, filled with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they perform the same song again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted 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 tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the tour, citing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who asked that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist shouter shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to respond, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I hear music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Afterward, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

Some defended the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And over time you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the band had been an extended period without playing live had introduced a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing laughter from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this event."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a early transport from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had come at the site over half a day before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to find numerous youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on the winter date.