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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal spot in front of the the grand arena. He stood with the initial devotees to gather at the site, overflowing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, launching a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even were they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to skip the performances, pointing to band member a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On that evening, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the event earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist shouter called out: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer commented that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Views

Some supported the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in decades ago.

For these events she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

For some, the fact that the artists had remained an extended period without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity 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 waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this event."

Behind him sat another fan, who had come with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had become enamored with the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults skip these things. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.