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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a prime location in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He joined the initial devotees to arrive at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees discussed where to stand in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

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 skip the concerts, citing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the band; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, journalists were denied from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said a fan, in her twenties, who requested that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist heckler shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I clearly can't control my reactions when I listen to music ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the artist stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

A number of defended the artists, referencing their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

This time she had tickets for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related body art. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had been seven years without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "It's possible there won't be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and experience this event."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had come luggage in hand after taking a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had arrived at the location many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to encounter all these young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these things. But at present I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on mid-December.