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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal position in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He stood with the earliest devotees to appear at the site, filled with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in 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.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said a fan, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the event earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist heckler shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

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

Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Some supported the artists, citing their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her couple of band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and experience this moment."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had come carrying his things after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had come at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these events. But now I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the band's journey will travel to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.