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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a ideal position in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He joined the initial devotees to appear at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the act's return to the stage in seven years, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in minutes.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the performances, referencing band member a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who asked that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I was unhappy with the action." Finally, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously can't control what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I was determined to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the official, the Israeli leader, and his government as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the artists, referencing their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related body art. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And over time you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had remained many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing amusement from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had come carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the show was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to find so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid these things. But now I'm further back."

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