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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a ideal position in front of the city's grand arena. He stood with the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the site, filled with hopes for the group's first live show in almost a decade, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the fan, who had come from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they sing the same song again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as attendees discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the performances, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the event earlier in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, temporarily left the platform during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience their songs ... I was determined to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the official, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Views

Some supported the group, citing their long history of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them performing in 1995.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: the first event in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had been an extended period without playing live had injected a sense of urgency into the new tour. "There might not be another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, prompting amusement from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to attend and enjoy this time."

In the vicinity stood an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after riding a early transport from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. On this day, he had come at the site many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "It amazed me to encounter so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip such activities. But at present I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on the winter date.