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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a perfect location in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He joined the earliest devotees to appear at the site, buzzing with anticipation for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be content."

Time flew by as fans plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had called on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, 22, who preferred that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a activist heckler yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear 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 situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Express Their Thoughts

A number of supported the band, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing similar performances. And over time you become tired."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had been an extended period without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this time."

Nearby waited an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after catching a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the location over half a day before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or lines – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip these events. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.