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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the the imposing arena. He was among the initial supporters to arrive at the site, buzzing with hopes for the British band's first live show in an extended period, starting a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they sing the same song again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned 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 concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the tour, referencing band member a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the performance. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the incident last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter shouted: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to answer, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

A number of supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of music-related body art. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated the same things. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the current series. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting amusement from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this event."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared luggage in hand after taking a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue over half a day before the performance was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to find so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because older people skip these things. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.