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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a ideal position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to appear at the site, buzzing with hopes for the British band's first live show in seven years, starting a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the concerts, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to review the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who asked that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a protester disrupter called out: "What number of dead children will it take for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I listen to music ... I was determined to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the leader, the politician, and his administration as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Opinions

Some supported the group, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed ink. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this moment."

In the vicinity sat another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had arrived at the location over half a day before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to encounter so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these events. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.