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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect spot in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to gather at the site, overflowing with hopes for the act's first live show in seven years, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play one track again and again, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the performances, citing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were denied from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist disrupter shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I listen to music ... I really wanted to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

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

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the artists, citing their established record of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them performing in decades ago.

This time she had passes for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired body art. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this event."

Behind him stood another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after catching a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the site many hours before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these things. But at present I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on the winter date.