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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a perfect location in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the initial devotees to appear at the site, buzzing with expectations for the act's first live show in almost a decade, launching a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

Time flew by as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold quickly in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to avoid the concerts, citing band member a member's previous show in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to review the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her surname not be published. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a activist heckler yelled: "How many more dead children 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 that reaction." Ultimately, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I hear the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the singer commented that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

Several stood by the artists, referencing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation 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 band-inspired body art. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity waited an attendee, who had come with his bags after taking a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to see all these youth here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these events. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on mid-December.