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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect position in front of the city's grand concert venue. He was among the first devotees to gather at the site, filled with anticipation for the act's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," remarked the 27-year-old, who had come from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they play the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers planned their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a event that had been fully booked in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that an advocacy organization had called on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be delicate for the artists; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to review the opening night. On that evening, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, 22, who asked that her last name not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the situation last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler yelled: "How many more children killed will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the right way to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally can't control my reactions when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, released a statement saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as agreement," describing the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "hardliners" who "must be halted."

Before the European tour, the artist declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Views

Several defended the band, pointing to their established record of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group play, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in decades ago.

This time she had tickets for several concerts: opening night in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she presented her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with the same things. And after a while you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Community

For some, the fact that the band had remained seven years without performing together had brought a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this event."

Behind him stood another fan, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a morning train from Valencia.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen the band was 22 years ago. On this day, he had reached at the location over half a day before the concert was due to start, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or lines – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was surprised to encounter numerous teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid these things. But now my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will move to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on the winter date.