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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a perfect location in front of the city's massive concert venue. He joined the first Radiohead fans to gather at the venue, overflowing with hopes for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, starting a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans plotted their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to boycott the concerts, citing guitarist a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from getting tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have marched in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it before," said one attendee, 22, who requested that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly walked off stage during a personal show after a protester shouter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the fan. "I was unhappy with the action." In the end, however, the melodies had won her over. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted 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 event in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as involvement," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" play in the country. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Loyal Followers Voice Their Views

Some supported the band, pointing to their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the right side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she first saw them live in 1995.

This time she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and each show in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you become tired."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had remained an extended period without appearing as a group had injected a awareness of rarity into the current series. "There might not be future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, prompting amusement from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

Nearby sat another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after taking a daybreak rail from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was taken aback to find all these youth here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I believed I would be first in line because older people don't do these things. But currently I'm further back."

Following several performances in Madrid, the group's series will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on 12 December.