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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a ideal spot in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to arrive at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to skip the tour, pointing to musician a member's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from getting tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her full identity not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the incident previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a activist shouter shouted: "What number of children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I clearly can't control what I feel when I hear music ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Opinions

A number of stood by the artists, citing their long history of social engagement. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and each show in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her two band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had been an extended period without appearing as a group had brought a awareness of rarity into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing chuckles from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this moment."

Nearby stood an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after catching a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. On this day, he had reached at the location many hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be first in line because older people don't do these things. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on mid-December.