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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect location in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the initial devotees to gather at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to boycott the concerts, referencing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said one attendee, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be shared. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, temporarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian shouter yelled: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I hear music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer commented that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he added.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

Some defended the artists, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related body art. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And over time you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been many seasons without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, causing laughter from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the band 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, sure that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was taken aback to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because older people skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on the winter date.