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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the site, filled with hopes for the British band's first live show in seven years, starting a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing one track again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

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 avoid the concerts, citing musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation last year in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

Several stood by the group, citing their established record of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those queuing up around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this moment."

Behind him waited another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had come at the location many hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the lead person.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "It amazed me to find all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be first in line because older people don't do these things. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.