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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a ideal position in front of the city's grand arena. He joined the initial devotees to gather at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the act's first live show in seven years, starting a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the performances, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to review the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be published. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I experience the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

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

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the group, citing their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

For these events she had passes for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of music-related tattoos. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had been an extended period without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those waiting in line with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this event."

Nearby stood an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or queues – had become enamored with the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was taken aback to find numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults don't do these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, concluding on the winter date.