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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a perfect spot in front of the the grand concert venue. He was among the initial devotees to arrive at the venue, filled with hopes for the British band's first live show in almost a decade, starting a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even if they sing a single tune again and again, I'll be content."

The hours passed quickly as attendees planned where to position themselves in front of the central stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the privileged ones who had secured tickets for a tour that had sold out in minutes.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had been discussed throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the concerts, referencing band member a member's appearance in Tel Aviv.

The matter continues as sensitive for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, media representatives were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the musicians did not reply to a request for comment regarding the action.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had left some fans torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it sooner," said a fan, a young woman, who asked that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She pointed to the situation last year in Melbourne, when the lead singer, the musician, briefly exited the performance during a personal show after a protester shouter called out: "How many more dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

It was not the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I disapproved of his response." Ultimately, however, the music had convinced her. "I clearly can't control my reactions when I experience music ... I truly desired to be present for the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Artist's Statement

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the incident in the city left him "in shock that my apparent non-response was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the official, the politician, and his administration as "radicals" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" play in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he remarked.

Loyal Followers Share Their Views

A number of supported the group, citing their long history of activism. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the people who know them, recognize that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the fiftieth occasion she had seen Radiohead take the stage, after developing a passion when she initially witnessed them in concert in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for several concerts: the premiere in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she showed off her couple of Radiohead-themed tattoos. "I mean, I used to be a U2 fan but they repeated identical actions. And over time you lose interest."

Recent Followers Discovers the Fandom

With several fans, the fact that the artists had gone seven years without playing live had injected a awareness of rarity into the latest concerts. "Perhaps there will be no subsequent occasion, Radiohead is pretty old at this point," said a young fan, a young man, causing laughter from those queuing up with him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to come here and experience this time."

Behind him sat an attendee, who had appeared with his bags after taking a early transport from Valencia.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the group was in a different era. This time, he had come at the site many hours before the performance was set to open, convinced that he would be the first in line.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that appeared unfazed by early hours or lines – had fallen for the group's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to find so many young people here," he said with a smile. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the initial person because mature individuals skip these events. But now I'm 25th."

Following several performances in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will travel to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and Germany, finishing on mid-December.