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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, Francesco Puddu claimed a ideal position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the location, filled with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, launching a extensive continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the performances, pointing to guitarist a member's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said a fan, 22, who asked that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I hear the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as involvement," labeling the official, the politician, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts

Several stood by the artists, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: the first event in Madrid and each show in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I formerly was a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And over time you get bored."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been many seasons without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and share this moment."

Nearby stood another fan, who had appeared with his bags after catching a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had come at the venue over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or lines – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to see numerous young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the initial person because adults don't do such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.