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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the the massive concert venue. He joined the first supporters to arrive at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," shared the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the concerts, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a protester shouter shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I listen to music ... I truly desired to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

A number of supported the group, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of music-related body art. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And over time you become tired."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the venue more than nine hours before the show was due to start, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid such activities. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.