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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a ideal spot in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to appear at the venue, filled with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, kicking off a 20-date tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

Time flew by as fans discussed their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in minutes.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to skip the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the artists; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the band did not respond to a inquiry regarding the choice.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans conflicted. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her full identity not be published. "As a fan, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a pro-Palestinian heckler shouted: "How many dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to respond, said the attendee. "I was unhappy with the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I experience the sound ... I really wanted to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as involvement," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I have no desire to be any distance in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Views

Some defended the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the group perform, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

This time she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in Madrid and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her pair of music-related tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the artists had been seven years without performing together had introduced a awareness of rarity into the new tour. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, causing chuckles from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to attend and share this event."

Nearby stood Sergio Zapater, who had arrived luggage in hand after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The most recent instance the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the venue many hours before the concert was scheduled to begin, sure that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was surprised to find so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals don't do these events. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, ending on 12 December.