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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a prime spot in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the first devotees to arrive at the location, buzzing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a extensive European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the performances, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the musicians did not reply to a question regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist disrupter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I listen to music ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the official, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the leadership," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

A number of defended the band, citing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related body art. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the artists had gone seven years without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, causing amusement from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this event."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid such activities. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on the winter date.