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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime location in front of the city's grand concert venue. He was among the first supporters to arrive at the site, buzzing with anticipation for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," stated the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing the same song again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the tour, referencing band member a member's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, media representatives were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her surname not be shared. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a personal show after a activist disrupter yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Opinions

Several supported the artists, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in the mid-nineties.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Community

For some, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, causing chuckles from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this moment."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had appeared with his bags after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the site many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to find all these young people here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid these events. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.