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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a prime spot in front of the city's grand arena. He joined the first Radiohead fans to gather at the site, overflowing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the young man, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they perform one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to musician a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her last name not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the event earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly left the platform during a personal show after a protester disrupter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the right way to respond, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I experience their songs ... I really wanted to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist declared that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Opinions

Some stood by the group, citing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them live in 1995.

This time she had passes for several concerts: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she presented her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And over time you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the artists had been seven years without playing live had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this moment."

Nearby stood another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or waiting – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to see all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these events. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.