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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a prime location in front of the the grand arena. He joined the initial devotees to gather at the venue, filled with hopes for the act's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," stated the fan, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even were they play a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had arisen throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the tour, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On that evening, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where hundreds of thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it before," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her last name not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I experience music ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere close to the leadership," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Views

Several defended the band, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They've always stood for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired tattoos. "Essentially, I used to be a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And over time you become tired."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had gone seven years without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, prompting chuckles from those waiting in line with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this event."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had arrived carrying his things after taking a morning train from the coastal town.

The last time the fan had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the show was set to open, 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 developed a passion for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to find all these youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults avoid such activities. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.