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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect spot in front of the city's grand concert venue. He was among the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the location, filled with anticipation for the act's return to the stage in seven years, launching a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they play one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the tour, referencing musician a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the group did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in support of Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter yelled: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Several supported the band, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she presented her couple of music-related ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing chuckles from those waiting in line with him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this moment."

Nearby stood another fan, who had come with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do these things. But at present I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.