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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan occupied a perfect location in front of the the massive arena. He stood with the earliest supporters to arrive at the location, filled with expectations for the act's first live show in almost a decade, starting a extensive continental journey.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," remarked the fan, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they play a single tune again and again, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had been discussed throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to skip the performances, citing band member a member's 2024 performance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were blocked from receiving tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not answer to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans conflicted. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her last name not be shared. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter called out: "How many young lives lost will it take for you to denounce the violence in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said the fan. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," describing the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" perform in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Opinions

Some supported the band, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have long advocated for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the 50th time she had seen the band perform, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them live in the mid-nineties.

This time she had passes for several concerts: opening night 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 presented her pair of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I formerly was a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And after a while you lose interest."

New Generation Embraces the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had been many seasons without performing together had brought a feeling of importance into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, in his twenties, causing laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and enjoy this moment."

Behind him stood an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after catching a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. For this event, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the show was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or waiting – had fallen for the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was surprised to find numerous youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I believed I would be first in line because adults avoid these events. But currently I'm 25th."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on mid-December.