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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal spot in front of the city's grand concert venue. He was among the earliest Radiohead fans to gather at the location, filled with hopes for the group's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they sing one track 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to boycott the performances, referencing band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the group did not respond to a question regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a activist disrupter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the band, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had remained seven years without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this event."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the venue over half a day before the performance was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to see all these young people here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults don't do these things. But now my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on mid-December.