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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal location in front of the the grand arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the site, overflowing with anticipation for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a activist heckler yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Opinions

Several stood by the band, pointing to their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

For these events she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of band-inspired ink. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had been many seasons without playing live had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this event."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had come luggage in hand after catching a morning train from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had come at the venue many hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid these events. But now I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.