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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He stood with the first supporters to gather at the location, filled with anticipation for the British band's first live show in an extended period, starting a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to skip the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her last name not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the event earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester shouter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I experience the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere close to the current government," he added.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Thoughts

A number of defended the band, citing their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity waited Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after catching a early transport from the coastal town.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because adults don't do these events. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on the winter date.