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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He was among the first devotees to appear at the site, filled with anticipation for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," stated the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

Time flew by as attendees plotted their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had called on people to avoid the performances, pointing to band member a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from getting tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not reply to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event last year in the Australian city, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, temporarily left the platform during a solo gig after a protester disrupter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the right way to answer, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." Finally, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my reactions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Several stood by the band, referencing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And over time you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone seven years without playing live had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting amusement from those waiting in line with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this moment."

In the vicinity sat another fan, who had arrived with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the location more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or lines – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to see so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these events. But at present I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.