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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a ideal location in front of the the massive arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, filled with expectations for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they play one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to skip the tour, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to cover the performance. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers conflicted. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who asked that her surname not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a protester disrupter yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"

This wasn't the proper manner to answer, said the fan. "I was unhappy with his response." Finally, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Share Their Thoughts

Several stood by the artists, citing their established record of advocacy. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They always change from release to release, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fandom

For some, the fact that the band had been seven years without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this time."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a early transport from his city.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the location over half a day before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "It amazed me to find all these young people here," he said with a smile. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these events. But currently I'm 25th."

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