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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a prime spot in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He stood with the first supporters to arrive at the site, overflowing with expectations for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the performances, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from getting tickets to review the performance. On that evening, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident last year in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a personal show after a protester disrupter called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Thoughts

Some defended the band, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she presented her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated the same things. And over time you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and share this moment."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after catching a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to encounter so many youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because older people avoid such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on mid-December.