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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a prime location in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to appear at the site, overflowing with hopes for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a 20-date continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they play one track again and again, I'll be content."

Time flew by as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold out in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist shouter called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously have no power over my reactions when I hear music ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Opinions

Several defended the band, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had remained seven years without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing amusement from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this moment."

Nearby sat an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after catching a morning train from his city.

The last time the fan had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the location many hours before the performance was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do such activities. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on the winter date.