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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal spot in front of the city's grand arena. He was among the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the act's return to the stage in seven years, starting a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," remarked the young man, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the tour, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her surname not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, temporarily exited the performance during a personal show after a protester disrupter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "definitely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the current government," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

A number of defended the band, pointing to their long history of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related body art. "Essentially, I formerly was a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And over time you become tired."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting amusement from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity sat Sergio Zapater, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was 22 years ago. For this event, he had arrived at the venue many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or lines – had become enamored with Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people skip these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.