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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to appear at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," remarked the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the tour, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were blocked from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a solo gig after a activist disrupter shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as involvement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Opinions

Several defended the group, referencing their established record of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in the mid-nineties.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the band had remained many seasons without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this event."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a early transport from Valencia.

The last time the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. This time, he had arrived at the location many hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or lines – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because older people don't do such activities. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.