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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He stood with the initial devotees to arrive at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the act's first live show in an extended period, launching a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be content."

Time flew by as concertgoers planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold out in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had called on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member a member's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were blocked from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist disrupter shouted: "How many children killed will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly can't control my emotions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the current government," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

A number of stood by the artists, pointing to their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And over time you become tired."

Recent Followers Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had been many seasons without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this time."

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

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the location many hours before the show was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip such activities. But now I'm 25th."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.