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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan secured a prime spot in front of the the grand concert venue. He joined the first supporters to arrive at the venue, overflowing with expectations for the group's return to the stage in seven years, starting a extensive European tour.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the young man, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even should they perform a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in minutes.

Controversy and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to avoid the concerts, citing band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the band; following earlier coverage about the demonstration request, reporters were denied from obtaining tickets to review the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a question regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, It was disappointing. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a activist shouter yelled: "How many children killed will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the right way to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like that reaction." Finally, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been enjoying since I was 12 years old."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, issued a comment saying the situation in Melbourne left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the prime minister, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he added.

Loyal Followers Share Their Views

A number of supported the group, citing their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, know that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band take the stage, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

This time she had passes for multiple performances: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I used to be a supporter of another band but they kept doing similar performances. And eventually you get bored."

Younger Fans Discovers the Fanbase

With several fans, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without appearing as a group had introduced a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "There might not be another opportunity, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing amusement from those queuing up around him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this moment."

Nearby waited another fan, who had arrived carrying his things after riding a daybreak rail from Valencia.

The last time the 53-year-old had seen Radiohead was over two decades past. For this event, he had reached at the location more than nine hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or lines – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to see so many teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do these events. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in Madrid, the group's series will travel to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.