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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime spot in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He stood with the first supporters to gather at the venue, filled with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, launching a extensive European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold out in a very short time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

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 concerts, referencing guitarist a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as delicate for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from getting tickets to report on the performance. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have demonstrated in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a activist disrupter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Finally, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously have no power over my emotions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Subsequently, released a statement saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as complicity," describing the official, the Israeli leader, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Opinions

Some supported the band, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

This time she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Younger Fans Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without performing together had brought a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those standing nearby with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and enjoy this time."

Behind him waited an attendee, who had arrived with his bags after taking a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had arrived at the location many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "It amazed me to encounter so many young people here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because mature individuals avoid these events. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on the winter date.