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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal spot in front of the the massive arena. He joined the first Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the act's first live show in seven years, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they sing the same song again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers planned 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 concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to avoid the performances, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a question regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, 22, who asked that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." Finally, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally have no power over my emotions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as involvement," describing the official, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Thoughts

A number of defended the artists, referencing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group play, after becoming hooked when she first saw them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And over time you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this moment."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had come at the location over half a day before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or lines – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because older people skip these things. But now my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on mid-December.