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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, one eager fan secured a ideal position in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to appear at the site, buzzing with anticipation for the act's first live show in almost a decade, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," stated the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the opening night. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Across the nation, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her last name not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Finally, however, the melodies had won her over. "I obviously can't control what I feel when I listen to music ... I was determined to attend and hear the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Afterward, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the official, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Share Their Thoughts

Several supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They've always stood for harmony, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead perform, after developing a passion when she originally attended them performing in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and each show in her nation of the European country. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And eventually you lose interest."

Recent Followers Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without playing live had brought a sense of urgency into the current series. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said an attendee, a young man, prompting amusement from those standing nearby beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this moment."

In the vicinity stood another fan, who had come with his bags after taking a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the group was in a different era. On this day, he had reached at the venue more than nine hours before the performance was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he realized the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to see numerous teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be the lead attendee because older people skip these events. But currently my position is later."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.