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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the city's grand arena. He joined the initial supporters to gather at the site, buzzing with anticipation for the act's return to the stage in seven years, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," shared the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the band did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the incident previously in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "How many children killed will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the songs had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I listen to music ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he added.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Some defended the artists, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she first saw them in concert in 1995.

This time she had passes for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Community

With several fans, the fact that the band had been an extended period without playing live had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity waited an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was taken aback to find so many young people here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be first in line because older people don't do these events. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.