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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the city's imposing arena. He stood with the first devotees to arrive at the location, filled with anticipation for the group's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they perform a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the tour, referencing band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the performance. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the music had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Afterward, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

Several stood by the group, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, know that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they kept doing identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

For some, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing amusement from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and experience this moment."

Behind him waited another fan, who had come with his bags after taking a morning train from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

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 Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to encounter so many youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these things. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on the winter date.