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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal position in front of the the massive arena. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the site, filled with expectations for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they play a single tune again and again, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as fans planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the tour, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from obtaining tickets to report on the performance. On that evening, the group did not answer to a question regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to react, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I hear music ... I truly desired to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

A number of stood by the artists, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group take the stage, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I formerly was a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had been an extended period without appearing as a group had introduced a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing chuckles from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and experience this time."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had come at the site over half a day before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be first in line because adults avoid these things. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on 12 December.