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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He joined the initial Radiohead fans to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's return to the stage in almost a decade, starting a multi-city European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's hard to believe it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they perform the same song repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as fans plotted their ideal spots 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 out in record time.

Controversy and Fan Reactions

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had called on people to skip the performances, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from obtaining tickets to cover the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a question regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had made some supporters torn. "I would have preferred if they had expressed their views about it before," said a fan, in her twenties, who preferred that her full identity not be shared. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the incident previously in the Australian city, when the lead singer, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a activist shouter called out: "What number of dead children will it take for you to denounce the genocide in the region?"

It was not the appropriate approach to respond, said Lola. "I was unhappy with the action." Finally, however, the songs had won her over. "I clearly cannot manage my reactions when I experience the sound ... I was determined to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been following since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the incident in the city left him "stunned that my apparent non-response was somehow being seen as agreement," calling the official, the politician, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the artist commented that he would "absolutely not" appear in Israel. "I prefer not to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he remarked.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the group, referencing their long history of activism. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

The opening show was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen the band take the stage, after becoming hooked when she initially witnessed them performing in 1995.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and all the appearances in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they never do similar shows," she said as she presented her couple of music-related ink. "I mean, I was once a supporter of another band but they kept doing identical actions. And after a while you become tired."

New Generation Joins the Fanbase

Among certain attendees, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had brought a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, 20, eliciting laughter from those standing nearby around him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and share this moment."

Nearby stood an attendee, who had appeared carrying his things after taking a early transport from Valencia.

The most recent instance the fan had seen Radiohead was in a different era. On this day, he had come at the venue many hours before the concert was due to start, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or waiting – had developed a passion for the band's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" music. "I was taken aback to see so many youth here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip such activities. But now I'm 25th."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will move to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on 12 December.