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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a ideal position in front of the city's imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the first Radiohead fans to appear at the location, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, launching a multi-city tour across Europe.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," remarked the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they play a single tune repeatedly, I'll be happy."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to stand in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold quickly in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had called on people to skip the tour, referencing guitarist a member's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were denied from getting tickets to review the opening night. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the decision.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with Palestine, the band's actions had caused some followers torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, in her twenties, who preferred that her surname not be published. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She pointed to the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a protester heckler called out: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to answer, said Lola. "I was unhappy with that reaction." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally can't control my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I truly desired to attend and hear the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Afterward, made a declaration saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being interpreted as involvement," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "absolutely not" appear in the country. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he added.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

Some supported the group, citing their extensive background of social engagement. "They have long advocated for harmony, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band play, after becoming hooked when she first saw them performing in decades ago.

For these events she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and each show in her nation of the European country. "They constantly evolve from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired ink. "Essentially, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they repeated similar performances. And after a while you become tired."

Younger Fans Discovers the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a feeling of importance into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the band has been around at this point," said a young fan, 20, prompting laughter from those queuing up with him. "So it was really worth it to come here and experience this time."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had appeared with his bags after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had reached at the venue many hours before the show was set to open, sure that he would be the first in line.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or waiting – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" songs. "I was taken aback to find numerous young people here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be first in line because older people skip such activities. But currently my position is later."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on mid-December.