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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect spot in front of the city's massive arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," shared the fan, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers plotted their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the tour, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were blocked from obtaining tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it before," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly left the platform during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts

A number of defended the artists, citing their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and experience this event."

Nearby waited another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had come at the site over half a day before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many youth here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults avoid these things. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on 12 December.