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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu occupied a perfect location in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the initial devotees to gather at the location, overflowing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they play one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had come up 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 performances, pointing to band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian heckler called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Thoughts

Some defended the band, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the band play, after developing a passion when she first saw them live in 1995.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "Basically, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this moment."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these things. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.