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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime position in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to arrive at the location, buzzing with hopes for the group's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play one track again and again, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the tour, citing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with that reaction." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over what I feel when I hear music ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," calling the leader, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the group, referencing their extensive background of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had remained many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, causing laughter from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity sat another fan, who had come luggage in hand after taking a morning train from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had arrived at the location over half a day before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on mid-December.