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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the city's massive concert venue. He joined the first supporters to arrive at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the group's first live show in almost a decade, starting a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," remarked the 27-year-old, who had come from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned 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 a very short time.

Discussion 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 boycott the tour, citing guitarist a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; after reports emerged about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not answer to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, 22, who requested that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event earlier in the Australian city, when the lead singer, the musician, temporarily exited the performance during a individual concert after a pro-Palestinian shouter yelled: "What number of children killed will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the right way to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the melodies had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I experience the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as involvement," describing the prime minister, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I wouldn't want to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the artists, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she first saw them live in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for five of the shows: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she presented her two Radiohead-themed body art. "Essentially, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the artists had gone an extended period without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, eliciting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this time."

Nearby stood another fan, who had appeared luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had reached at the site more than nine hours before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "It amazed me to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip such activities. But now I'm further back."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.