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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a perfect location in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to appear at the site, buzzing with hopes for the British band's return to the stage in an extended period, starting a multi-city tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even if they sing the same song 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the concerts, referencing musician a member's previous show in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, media representatives were prevented from getting tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said a fan, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation previously in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a activist heckler shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to answer, said Lola. "I didn't like that reaction." Ultimately, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I clearly can't control my reactions when I experience their songs ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "absolutely not" play in the country. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the leadership," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Opinions

A number of stood by the band, pointing to their extensive background of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

This time she had admissions for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Discovers the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, prompting amusement from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and experience this moment."

In the vicinity waited Sergio Zapater, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the fan had seen the band was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the location over half a day before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to encounter all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults skip these things. But at present I'm 25th."

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