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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal position in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the site, overflowing with anticipation for the group's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the performances, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a question regarding the decision.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist shouter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I experience music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Views

Some defended the band, citing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them performing in decades ago.

This time she had admissions for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

In the vicinity sat Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after riding a morning train from his city.

The last time the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because adults don't do these events. But currently I'm 25th."

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