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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect spot in front of the the imposing concert venue. He joined the earliest supporters to appear at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even were they perform a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to skip the tour, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to answer, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." Finally, however, the melodies had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

Several defended the artists, referencing their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view 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 Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had gone seven years without appearing as a group had introduced a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this event."

Behind him sat another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip these events. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on mid-December.