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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime spot in front of the the massive arena. He was among the initial supporters to appear at the site, overflowing with anticipation for the act's return to the stage in an extended period, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this is happening," stated the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play the same song again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the concerts, referencing band member a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have marched in backing for the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said a fan, 22, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I clearly can't control what I feel when I hear music ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Thoughts

Several supported the artists, citing their established record of advocacy. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them in concert in 1995.

This time she had passes for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the artists had gone an extended period without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting chuckles from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to be present and share this event."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.