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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a perfect location in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest supporters to arrive at the location, buzzing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to boycott the performances, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a question regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester disrupter shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my reactions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the singer stated that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Express Their Opinions

Several supported the group, pointing to their established record of activism. "They've always stood for peace, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band play, after developing a passion when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had passes for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And over time you become tired."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity sat an attendee, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had come at the location many hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or queues – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was surprised to encounter all these young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals avoid such activities. But at present my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.