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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the earliest supporters to appear at the location, filled with anticipation for the group's first live show in seven years, launching a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they perform the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as attendees discussed their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the tour, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, briefly walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester heckler shouted: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to answer, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Ultimately, however, the songs had won her over. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I experience music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the band, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in 1995.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired body art. "Basically, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And over time you get bored."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and share this time."

Behind him sat another fan, who had arrived with his bags after riding a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was over two decades past. On this day, he had come at the location over half a day before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip such activities. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on mid-December.