🔗 Share this article

Just before dawn broke over Madrid, Francesco Puddu secured a perfect position in front of the the massive concert venue. He was among the initial supporters to appear at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the act's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," stated 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 happy."

Time flew by as attendees planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the performances, pointing to musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were denied from getting tickets to review the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter shouted: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I hear music ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the incident 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."

Ahead of the performances, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the current government," he added.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Views

Several supported the artists, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the first event in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired body art. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Community

For some, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, prompting amusement from those queuing up around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this moment."

Behind him sat another fan, who had come luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the location many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had fallen for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback 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 such activities. But now I'm 25th."

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