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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a prime location in front of the city's imposing arena. He stood with the first devotees to appear at the venue, buzzing with hopes for the act's first live show in almost a decade, launching a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this is happening," stated the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they play a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans planned where to stand in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold out in a very short time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the concerts, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be revealed. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "How many more dead children will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with that reaction." In the end, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the leadership," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Some defended the artists, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the individuals acquainted with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead perform, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in decades ago.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of music-related tattoos. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone seven years without playing live had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, a young man, prompting chuckles from those waiting in line around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this time."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had appeared with his bags after catching a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the performance was due to start, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or lines – had fallen for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "It amazed me to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because older people avoid these things. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.