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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect spot in front of the the grand concert venue. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to arrive at the site, filled with expectations for the British band's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the young man, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as attendees discussed where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had appealed on people to boycott the performances, referencing musician a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to report on the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it much earlier," said one attendee, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She mentioned the event previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a protester disrupter shouted: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said the fan. "I disapproved of the action." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Afterward, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," calling the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the artists, citing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for harmony, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I think the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

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

On this occasion she had passes for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they don't replicate the same thing," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they repeated the same things. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, a young man, causing laughter from those waiting in line around him. "So it was really worth it to come here and share this moment."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had come with his bags after taking a morning train from Valencia.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the venue more than nine hours before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was surprised to see numerous young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these things. But at present my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in Madrid, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on mid-December.