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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a ideal location in front of the city's imposing arena. He stood with the earliest Radiohead fans to arrive at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they play one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold out in a very short time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the performances, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were denied from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have marched in backing for Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her full identity not be shared. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the situation last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the leader, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

Some defended the group, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the correct side."

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

This time she had passes for multiple performances: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from one record, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she showed off her couple of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they repeated the same things. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those standing nearby around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and enjoy this moment."

Nearby waited an attendee, who had come with his bags after catching a morning train from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had fallen for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these events. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.