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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect position in front of the city's grand concert venue. He stood with the initial supporters to appear at the venue, buzzing with expectations for the group's comeback performance in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they play one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the performances, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not answer to a inquiry regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the event previously in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, temporarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a activist disrupter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the current government," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

Several supported the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group take the stage, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them in concert in 1995.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and each show in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed ink. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Discovers the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, eliciting laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and experience this event."

In the vicinity stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared with his bags after riding a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had come at the venue over half a day before the show was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or lines – had become enamored with Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was taken aback to see all these young people here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because adults avoid such activities. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, ending on the winter date.