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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the the massive concert venue. He stood with the earliest devotees to arrive at the location, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, starting a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the fan, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they play the same song again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as fans planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the right way to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the leader, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They continually transform from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with similar performances. And eventually you become tired."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone seven years without appearing as a group had injected a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing laughter from those queuing up with him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this event."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the site many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to see numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be the initial person because older people don't do these things. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the band's journey will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on 12 December.