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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect location in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to arrive at the site, overflowing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, launching a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were blocked from getting tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester shouter shouted: "How many children killed will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with the action." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the group, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and each show in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated the same things. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Community

For some, the fact that the artists had been seven years without playing live had introduced a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, 20, causing chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this moment."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had come luggage in hand after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The last time the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had arrived at the venue more than nine hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "It amazed me to encounter numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults avoid these things. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.