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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the first Radiohead fans to arrive at the location, overflowing with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the performances, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

It was not the right way to respond, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the artist declared that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

Some supported the artists, pointing to their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone seven years without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this moment."

Nearby sat another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the fan had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do such activities. But at present I'm 25th."

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