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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a prime position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to appear at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the act's first live show in seven years, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the tour, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not answer to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it sooner," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my emotions when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the current government," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

Several defended the group, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for peace, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group take the stage, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had been an extended period without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing laughter from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this moment."

Behind him sat another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because adults avoid these events. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.