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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a perfect position in front of the the grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to appear at the location, overflowing with hopes for the act's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a extensive tour across Europe.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," remarked the young man, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they sing one track again and again, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to stand in front of the round platform, and reveled in the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had obtained tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in record time.

Discussion and Supporters' Views

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the concerts, referencing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, journalists were prevented from getting tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On that evening, the musicians did not answer to a question regarding the choice.

Across the nation, where many thousands have marched in backing for the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had made some supporters divided. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it sooner," said a fan, in her twenties, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they learned their lesson."

She referenced the incident earlier in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the musician, momentarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist disrupter called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the atrocities in the region?"

That wasn't the proper manner to respond, said the fan. "I was unhappy with that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had swayed her. "I obviously cannot manage my emotions when I hear the sound ... I truly desired to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Musician's Position

Yorke later, released a statement saying the event in the city left him "in shock that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as complicity," calling the leader, the politician, and his government as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, Yorke commented that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I prefer not to be any distance anywhere near the leadership," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Opinions

A number of supported the band, pointing to their extensive background of advocacy. "They've always stood for peace, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the those familiar with them, recognize that they are on the just side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after falling in love when she first saw them in concert in 1995.

This time she had passes for five of the shows: the premiere in Madrid and each show in her native land of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of music-related ink. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Joins the Fandom

For some, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, prompting laughter from those queuing up with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and share this event."

In the vicinity waited Sergio Zapater, who had come carrying his things after catching a morning train from his city.

The most recent instance the fan had seen the group was in a different era. For this event, he had come at the location many hours before the show was set to open, convinced that he would be the lead person.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with morning queues or queues – had become enamored with the band's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" music. "I was taken aback to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the initial person because adults avoid such activities. But now I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Germany, ending on the winter date.