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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a prime position in front of the the massive concert venue. He was among the earliest supporters to appear at the location, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's first live show in an extended period, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to skip the concerts, pointing to musician a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it sooner," said a fan, 22, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the official, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Opinions

Several stood by the band, citing their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her couple of music-related body art. "Essentially, I used to be a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing amusement from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this event."

In the vicinity waited an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the venue over half a day before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "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 events. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.