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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal location in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to gather at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this is happening," shared the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a activist heckler yelled: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously can't control what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Opinions

Some stood by the artists, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a U2 fan but they kept doing identical actions. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been many seasons without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, prompting laughter from those queuing up around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this event."

Behind him stood another fan, who had come carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the site many hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "It amazed me to encounter all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because adults skip these events. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.