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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a perfect location in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest devotees to arrive at the location, buzzing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they play the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

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

Discussion and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had called on people to boycott the tour, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from receiving tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her last name not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." Finally, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I experience music ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Afterward, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the official, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Thoughts

Several stood by the artists, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

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

On this occasion she had passes for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Discovers the Community

For some, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting laughter from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this time."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had come carrying his things after taking a morning train from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or lines – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to see numerous young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid these events. But now I'm further back."

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