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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a ideal position in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the initial devotees to gather at the site, filled with hopes for the act's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," shared the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees discussed their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the event earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a activist disrupter yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I hear their songs ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Share Their Views

Some defended the group, citing their extensive background of activism. "They have consistently supported for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing amusement from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this event."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the site over half a day before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was taken aback to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.