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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a prime location in front of the the massive arena. He was among the initial devotees to arrive at the site, buzzing with expectations for the act's return to the stage in an extended period, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the young man, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the performances, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were prevented from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the incident previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily left the platform during a solo gig after a activist heckler shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage my reactions when I experience music ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the leadership," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

A number of supported the group, citing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she first saw them live in 1995.

This time she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, causing amusement from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to come here and enjoy this time."

Nearby sat Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the show was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the lead person.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or lines – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was taken aback to find so many youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because adults avoid these things. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.