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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the city's grand arena. He was among the initial supporters to arrive at the location, filled with hopes for the act's comeback performance in seven years, launching a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a protester shouter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my emotions when I hear music ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the group, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had passes for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and each show in her nation of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this time."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after riding a morning train from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the venue many hours before the performance was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on mid-December.