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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a prime spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He joined the first supporters to arrive at the site, filled with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a multi-city continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the tour, pointing to band member a member's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, 22, who asked that her last name not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist heckler yelled: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I hear music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as agreement," describing the official, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

Some supported the band, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her home country of the European country. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired tattoos. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

For some, the fact that the artists had been seven years without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this event."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had come with his bags after catching a early transport from Valencia.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to see all these young people here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be first in line because older people don't do these things. But at present my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.