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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a perfect location in front of the city's grand arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the site, filled with anticipation for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to avoid the tour, citing musician a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the band did not respond to a inquiry regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be published. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I really wanted to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as involvement," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Opinions

Some supported the artists, pointing to their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of the European country. "They always change from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of music-related tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And over time you become tired."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and experience this moment."

In the vicinity waited Sergio Zapater, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the location more than nine hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "It amazed me to see all these youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the lead attendee because older people skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on mid-December.