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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the first supporters to arrive at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's first live show in an extended period, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from getting tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who preferred that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event previously in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist shouter yelled: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Views

Several defended the artists, citing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed body art. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those waiting in line beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and enjoy this moment."

Behind him waited another fan, who had arrived with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid these things. But at present my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on 12 December.