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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect spot in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the first Radiohead fans to appear at the location, filled with anticipation for the act's first live show in seven years, starting a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the performances, citing musician a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to review the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who requested that her surname not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the event previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly left the platform during a personal show after a activist heckler shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I listen to music ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Several supported the group, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired body art. "Basically, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And over time you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Community

With several fans, the fact that the band had remained seven years without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, 20, causing amusement from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this time."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had come carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had reached at the location over half a day before the show was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to see so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip these events. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.