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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal position in front of the the imposing concert venue. He was among the first Radiohead fans to gather at the location, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, launching a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as fans planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the concerts, pointing to guitarist a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were blocked from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the decision.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said a fan, 22, who requested that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the incident previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a activist shouter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I clearly can't control what I feel when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer commented that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

Some stood by the group, citing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she first saw them live in 1995.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her couple of music-related ink. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And over time you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone seven years without appearing as a group had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, prompting amusement from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this moment."

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

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had become enamored with Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these events. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.