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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal location in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play a single tune again and again, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers plotted their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from getting tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be shared. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a personal show after a activist heckler called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

Some stood by the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and each show in her nation of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this time."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had arrived with his bags after taking a early transport from his city.

The last time the fan had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had reached at the venue many hours before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had fallen for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to see all these youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do such activities. But now I'm 25th."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.