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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, launching a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the young man, who had come from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to boycott the concerts, referencing musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be shared. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist disrupter called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the music had convinced her. "Naturally can't control what I feel when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere anywhere near the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

Some defended the band, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of the European country. "They always change from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the artists had been an extended period without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and share this moment."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The last time the fan had seen the band was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the location many hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to see so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because adults skip such activities. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on 12 December.