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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a perfect spot in front of the the massive concert venue. He joined the earliest supporters to gather at the site, overflowing with hopes for the group's comeback performance in seven years, launching a extensive European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the fan, who had travelled from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they perform one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The hours passed quickly as fans discussed their ideal spots in front of the central stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in record time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering an advocacy organization had called on people to boycott the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

The matter continues as sensitive for the band; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, reporters were prevented from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On the day of the show, the group did not respond to a request for comment regarding the choice.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in backing for Palestine, the band's actions had made some supporters divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it before," said a fan, a young woman, who preferred that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I was a little bit disappointed. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the situation earlier in the Australian city, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, momentarily walked off stage during a solo gig after a protester disrupter yelled: "How many children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like the action." Ultimately, however, the songs had swayed her. "Naturally have no power over my reactions when I hear their songs ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Prior to the continental shows, Yorke stated that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be any distance in proximity to the current government," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

A number of supported the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for non-violence, it's unlikely they've altered now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the band perform, after developing a passion when she first saw them performing in 1995.

For these events she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her home country of the European country. "They always change from release to release, they never do the same thing," she said as she presented her two band-inspired tattoos. "Basically, I formerly was a supporter of another band but they repeated identical actions. And over time you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had gone many seasons without performing together had introduced a sense of urgency into the current series. "Perhaps there will be no another opportunity, the band has been around at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting laughter from those standing nearby with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this moment."

Behind him sat another fan, who had come carrying his things after catching a daybreak rail from his city.

The previous occasion the 53-year-old had seen the band was 22 years ago. This time, he had arrived at the venue over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Contrarily he realized the fact that a new generation – one that seemingly did not mind early hours or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" music. "I was taken aback to find numerous young people here," he said with a laugh. "It's frustrating, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because adults don't do such activities. But currently I'm 25th."

Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.