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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a prime spot in front of the the massive arena. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept it's real," shared the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as fans discussed where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to avoid the tour, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; after reports emerged about the boycott call, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. 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, temporarily left the platform during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "How many children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to respond, said Lola. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I hear music ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as agreement," labeling the official, the politician, and his regime as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the singer stated that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

Several defended the group, referencing their long history of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after developing a passion when she originally attended them live in decades ago.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They always change from release to release, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And over time you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those queuing up around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

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 fan had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. This time, he had reached at the site many hours before the performance was set to open, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

However he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had fallen for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "It amazed me to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals don't do these things. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on 12 December.