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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate 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 called on people to avoid the concerts, referencing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from obtaining tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a protester disrupter yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I experience music ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Opinions

Some supported the group, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of music-related body art. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting laughter from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this event."

Nearby waited another fan, who had come carrying his things after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was 22 years ago. For this event, he had come at the location over half a day before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or lines – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because older people don't do such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.