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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect location in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the location, overflowing with expectations for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans 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 tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the tour, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were denied from getting tickets to review the performance. On that evening, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the incident previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

Several supported the band, pointing to their established record of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related body art. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the group had remained many seasons without performing together had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, causing amusement from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this moment."

Behind him sat another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter all these young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these things. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.