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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a prime position in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the first supporters to appear at the location, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, launching a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they play one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had called on people to avoid the concerts, referencing band member a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be contentious for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a personal show after a protester shouter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I hear music ... I really wanted to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

Some supported the band, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them live in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related body art. "I mean, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with similar performances. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had been many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this event."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the site many hours before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or queues – had become enamored with the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was surprised to see all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do these events. But currently my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on mid-December.