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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 city's grand arena. He joined the earliest devotees to gather at the location, buzzing with hopes for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to skip the tour, referencing musician a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her surname not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a activist disrupter yelled: "What number of children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously can't control my reactions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer commented that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the leadership," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Views

A number of supported the artists, referencing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had tickets for five of the shows: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And over time you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had gone many seasons without performing together had brought a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, eliciting laughter from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to come here and enjoy this moment."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after taking a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the fan had seen the band was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to see so many youth here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because adults skip these events. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on mid-December.