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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan secured a perfect spot in front of the city's massive arena. He was among the earliest Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the young man, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the tour, referencing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist heckler called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the violence in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "I clearly have no power over what I feel when I experience music ... I truly desired to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Several defended the group, pointing to their established record of activism. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related body art. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had been seven years without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting laughter from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to come here and enjoy this event."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after taking a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these things. But now I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on mid-December.