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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect position in front of the city's grand arena. He was among the initial supporters to arrive at the site, filled with anticipation for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a multi-city continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to skip the tour, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said one attendee, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the leadership," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts

Several supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them live in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her native land of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the band had gone seven years without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing laughter from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and enjoy this event."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the site many hours before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to see all these youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently I'm 25th."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.