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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a ideal position in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the site, buzzing with expectations for the act's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the tour, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I hear the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Subsequently, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the leader, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

A number of defended the artists, citing their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of music-related ink. "Basically, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without playing live had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, eliciting laughter from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this moment."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a morning train from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do such activities. But at present I'm 25th."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.