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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the the grand concert venue. He was among the earliest Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in seven years, launching a 20-date continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they perform one track repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had scored tickets for a event that had been fully booked in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the performances, citing guitarist a member's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the artists; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, 22, who requested that her surname not be published. "As someone who admires them, It was disappointing. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian disrupter called out: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said Lola. "I was unhappy with the action." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the event in the city left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

A number of defended the band, pointing to their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I think the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

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

For these events she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her home country of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she displayed her couple of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And over time you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and enjoy this time."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the venue many hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" tunes. "I was surprised to find all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be the initial person because adults avoid these events. But currently my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, concluding on 12 December.