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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a ideal spot in front of the the grand arena. He was among the initial supporters to appear at the venue, overflowing with anticipation for the act's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a 20-date European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe it's real," shared the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they perform a single tune again and again, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers plotted where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had sold out in minutes.

Discussion and Fan Reactions

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to boycott the tour, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the band; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were prevented from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On that evening, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Across the nation, where a large number have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had caused some followers divided. "I would have preferred if they had made a statement about it before," said Lola, 22, who requested that her last name not be revealed. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the incident previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, temporarily left the platform during a solo gig after a protester shouter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to speak against the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I didn't like that reaction." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage what I feel when I experience their songs ... I was determined to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Band's Response

Afterward, issued a comment saying the incident in Melbourne left him "stunned that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," describing the leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance close to the Netanyahu regime," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

Some stood by the group, referencing their established record of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead perform, after falling in love when she first saw them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do similar shows," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they kept doing identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this time."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was over two decades past. For this event, he had arrived at the location over half a day before the concert was due to start, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to find numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because older people skip these events. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and Germany, finishing on the winter date.