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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a perfect position in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He joined the first devotees to appear at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, 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.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the concerts, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be shared. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the situation previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian disrupter yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the proper manner to react, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." In the end, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I hear music ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Thoughts

A number of supported the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them live in the mid-nineties.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this moment."

In the vicinity stood an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do such activities. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.