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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect spot in front of the the imposing concert venue. He was among the initial devotees to gather at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees planned their ideal spots in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to skip the performances, citing band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from obtaining tickets to report on the opening night. On that evening, the band did not respond to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in backing for the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a activist heckler yelled: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I hear music ... I truly desired to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Share Their Views

A number of supported the artists, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she originally attended them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They always change from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her couple of music-related ink. "Essentially, I used to be a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

For some, the fact that the artists had gone an extended period without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the current series. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those waiting in line around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and experience this moment."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after catching a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had reached at the location many hours before the show was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or waiting – had become enamored with Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to see all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on the winter date.