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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the venue, filled with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold out in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to boycott the concerts, citing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where many thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her surname not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the incident last year in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the artist, briefly exited the performance during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly have no power over what I feel when I hear music ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the official, the politician, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "certainly not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

Some supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for multiple performances: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she presented her two band-inspired ink. "Essentially, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they continued with similar performances. And eventually you become tired."

New Generation Discovers the Community

For some, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, prompting laughter from those queuing up with him. "So it was really worth it to attend and experience this time."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared with his bags after catching a morning train from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to see all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.