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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He joined the first devotees to gather at the site, overflowing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they perform a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the performances, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not respond to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have marched in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, temporarily left the platform during a individual concert after a activist disrupter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

It was not the right way to respond, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I hear music ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

Some stood by the artists, pointing to their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They always change from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired body art. "Basically, I formerly was a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without playing live had introduced a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, 20, causing chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and share this event."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had come luggage in hand after catching a early transport from his city.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter so many youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because adults skip such activities. But currently I'm 25th."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on mid-December.