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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect position in front of the city's imposing arena. He joined the first Radiohead fans to gather at the venue, filled with expectations for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the group did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the incident previously in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

A number of stood by the group, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They always change from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she presented her two music-related body art. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had gone seven years without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this event."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to find so many young people here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid these things. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on the winter date.