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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal location in front of the the grand arena. He stood with the earliest devotees to gather at the site, filled with hopes for the group's first live show in an extended period, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had called on people to skip the tour, pointing to band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were blocked from obtaining tickets to report on the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a activist shouter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said the attendee. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I hear music ... I really wanted to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Some defended the group, citing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she first saw them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her two band-inspired ink. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fandom

For some, the fact that the band had remained many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this time."

In the vicinity sat another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or lines – had become enamored with Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to find numerous young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do such activities. But currently I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on mid-December.