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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime spot in front of the the grand concert venue. He was among the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a 20-date European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, referencing band member a member's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist heckler called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the proper manner to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly have no power over what I feel when I experience their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Some defended the artists, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she first saw them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired ink. "Essentially, I used to be a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after catching a morning train from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the performance was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "It amazed me to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these events. But now I'm further back."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on the winter date.