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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the site, filled with anticipation for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," shared the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The conflict 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 boycott the tour, referencing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from getting tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the melodies had won her over. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I listen to music ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the official, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere close to the current government," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Several defended the group, citing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion 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 every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And over time you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the band had been many seasons without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and experience this event."

Nearby stood another fan, who had arrived with his bags after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "It amazed me to find all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid these events. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.