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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect spot in front of the city's massive arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the site, filled with anticipation for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as attendees discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the concerts, referencing musician a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist shouter called out: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the official, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Opinions

Several stood by the artists, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the band had remained seven years without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this time."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was 22 years ago. This time, he had arrived at the site many hours before the show was due to start, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to see so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults avoid these things. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.