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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a prime spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He was among the initial devotees to gather at the venue, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the concerts, pointing to musician a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where a large number have marched in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

Several stood by the artists, referencing their established record of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in decades ago.

This time she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without performing together had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this event."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to find so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.