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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime location in front of the city's massive arena. He joined the earliest devotees to arrive at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers plotted their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to avoid the tour, referencing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where a large number have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters divided. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the event previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian disrupter yelled: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Afterward, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as agreement," labeling the leader, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Voice Their Opinions

A number of supported the artists, pointing to their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her pair of music-related body art. "I mean, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Community

With several fans, the fact that the artists had been seven years without appearing as a group had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, causing laughter from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this time."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after taking a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the site many hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to encounter all these youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be first in line because older people avoid such activities. But at present I'm 25th."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.