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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a prime position in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He joined the initial supporters to arrive at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the act's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had called on people to avoid the performances, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist heckler shouted: "How many children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I experience music ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Opinions

A number of defended the artists, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with similar performances. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and experience this moment."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the venue more than nine 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 appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because older people skip these things. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on the winter date.