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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a prime location in front of the the grand arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they perform the same song again and again, 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 tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to skip the concerts, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a individual concert after a protester heckler yelled: "What number of children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage what I feel when I experience their songs ... I was determined to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Views

Some stood by the band, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead perform, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and each show in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this event."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after taking a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on the winter date.