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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect location in front of the the grand arena. He stood with the initial devotees to arrive at the venue, filled with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they play a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in minutes.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the tour, citing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not respond to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the incident previously in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester shouter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." Ultimately, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

A number of defended the artists, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band play, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired ink. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And after a while you become tired."

Recent Followers Joins the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had remained many seasons without performing together had brought a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, causing amusement from those waiting in line around him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this time."

Behind him stood another fan, who had arrived with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because adults skip such activities. But now I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.