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In the early morning hours over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a prime location in front of the city's grand arena. He joined the initial supporters to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing one track 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was a subject 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, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were blocked from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her surname not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester heckler shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the proper manner to answer, said the fan. "I was unhappy with that reaction." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Some stood by the band, citing their established record of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe 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 play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of band-inspired body art. "Basically, I formerly was a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing amusement from those waiting in line with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this time."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the venue more than nine hours before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults don't do such activities. But currently my position is later."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.