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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a prime spot in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, filled with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, launching a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the performances, pointing to musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were denied from getting tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who requested that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a activist disrupter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience music ... I was determined to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Several defended the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her pair of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and experience this event."

Nearby sat another fan, who had appeared with his bags after catching a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had reached at the location over half a day before the performance was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was taken aback to see all these youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on 12 December.