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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the site, overflowing with hopes for the act's comeback performance in seven years, starting a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

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

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily left the platform during a solo gig after a protester heckler yelled: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Thoughts

Several supported the band, referencing their established record of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct 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.

This time she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from one record, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Community

For some, the fact that the band had remained seven years without appearing as a group had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting amusement from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this event."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had come with his bags after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the site over half a day before the performance was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or lines – had become enamored with Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people don't do these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.