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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime location in front of the the grand arena. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the act's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they perform the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed where to stand in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, citing band member a member's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from obtaining tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester shouter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." Finally, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

A number of supported the band, citing their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed ink. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this moment."

Behind him waited another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after catching a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these events. But now I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on 12 December.