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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a prime spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the earliest Radiohead fans to gather at the location, filled with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the performances, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, journalists were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her surname not be published. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to answer, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Opinions

Several stood by the group, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I think the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she presented her couple of band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, eliciting amusement from those waiting in line with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had come at the site more than nine hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "It amazed me to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do these events. But at present I'm further back."

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