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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect location in front of the city's massive concert venue. He joined the initial supporters to appear at the location, buzzing with hopes for the act's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this moment has arrived," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even should they sing the same song repeatedly, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had appealed on people to skip the tour, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the demonstration request, media representatives were denied from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a question regarding the action.

Across the nation, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the event last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the artist, briefly left the platform during a personal show after a protester heckler called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to denounce the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the fan. "I didn't like that reaction." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I obviously have no power over what I feel when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," calling the leader, the politician, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Prior to the continental shows, the artist stated that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Thoughts

A number of supported the band, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

On this occasion she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her nation of Italy. "They always change from one record, they avoid repeating identical performances," she said as she showed off her two band-inspired body art. "I mean, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had remained an extended period without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, in his twenties, causing laughter from those queuing up beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this event."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after taking a early transport from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the band was over two decades past. This time, he had come at the site over half a day before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to encounter numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because adults don't do these events. But now my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will move to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on mid-December.