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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a prime location in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the act's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The war 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 avoid the performances, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were blocked from obtaining tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans divided. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it sooner," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to answer, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident 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 "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer commented that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance anywhere near the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Share Their Opinions

A number of stood by the artists, referencing their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had remained seven years without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting laughter from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood another fan, who had appeared with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the site over half a day before the performance was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter all these youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But now I'm 25th."

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