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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a prime location in front of the city's massive concert venue. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the site, buzzing with anticipation for the act's comeback performance in seven years, kicking off a 20-date continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," remarked the fan, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they perform a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a event that had sold quickly in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the concerts, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from receiving tickets to cover the performance. On that evening, the group did not respond to a inquiry regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it sooner," said Lola, in her twenties, who asked that her surname not be shared. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event last year in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily exited the performance during a solo gig after a activist shouter shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the violence in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with his response." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "I clearly can't control my emotions when I listen to music ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, released a statement saying the incident in Melbourne left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," describing the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be anywhere close to the current government," he added.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

A number of stood by the artists, citing their established record of activism. "They have long advocated for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in 1995.

This time she had tickets for multiple performances: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from release to release, they avoid repeating similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of band-inspired body art. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Embraces the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had been seven years without performing together had injected a feeling of importance into the current series. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said a young fan, 20, prompting amusement from those standing nearby around him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this moment."

In the vicinity stood an attendee, who had come with his bags after catching a early transport from his city.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the location many hours before the concert was set to open, sure that he would be the lead person.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "It amazed me to encounter numerous teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these things. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.