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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime spot in front of the the imposing concert venue. He was among the initial Radiohead fans to appear at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the British band's first live show in seven years, starting a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even should they play one track repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, given that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to skip the concerts, pointing to guitarist Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the band; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have marched in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had spoken out about it sooner," said Lola, a young woman, who asked that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a activist disrupter shouted: "How many children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of that reaction." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly have no power over my reactions when I hear the sound ... I really wanted to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as complicity," describing the leader, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Share Their Thoughts

Some defended the band, pointing to their established record of activism. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, know that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her pair of music-related ink. "Essentially, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing identical actions. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the current series. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, 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 attend and experience this event."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived luggage in hand after taking a early transport from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had come at the location more than nine hours before the show was due to start, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind dawn arrivals or lines – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" tunes. "I was surprised to encounter numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be first in line because older people avoid such activities. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on 12 December.