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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He was among the first supporters to appear at the site, buzzing with hopes for the act's first live show in seven years, starting a extensive tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the young man, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the tour, pointing to band member a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, 22, who preferred that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the incident previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily left the platform during a solo gig after a activist disrupter yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Several defended the group, citing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her two music-related body art. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And over time you lose interest."

New Generation Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, 20, causing amusement from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

Nearby stood an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to find numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do such activities. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.