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In the early morning hours over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a ideal location in front of the city's imposing concert venue. He was among the earliest devotees to arrive at the site, buzzing with hopes for the group's first live show in seven years, kicking off a 20-date continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. It's hard to believe this is happening," shared the fan, who had journeyed from his home country. "It's been so long, even should they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers discussed where to stand in front of the round platform, and celebrated the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold quickly in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had appealed on people to avoid the concerts, referencing guitarist a member's 2024 performance in Tel Aviv.

The topic seemingly remains delicate for the group; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, reporters were blocked from receiving tickets to report on the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the musicians did not answer to a question regarding the decision.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in support of Palestine, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had spoken out about it before," said a fan, 22, who requested that her last name not be published. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She mentioned the incident last year in Melbourne, when the band's frontman, the artist, momentarily left the platform during a individual concert after a protester disrupter yelled: "What number of dead children will it take for you to speak against the violence in the region?"

It was not the right way to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "I clearly have no power over my emotions when I listen to their songs ... I really wanted to be present for the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, made a declaration saying the incident in Melbourne left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "radicals" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, the artist declared that he would "absolutely not" perform in Israel. "I prefer not to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the leadership," he continued.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Views

Several defended the group, pointing to their long history of advocacy. "They've always stood for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band play, after becoming hooked when she originally attended them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had admissions for several concerts: the first event in the Spanish city and all the appearances in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she displayed her couple of Radiohead-themed ink. "Basically, I formerly was a follower of different artists but they kept doing the same things. And eventually you become tired."

Recent Followers Embraces the Community

For some, the fact that the group had gone an extended period without appearing as a group 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 a young fan, a young man, causing laughter from those standing nearby beside him. "Hence it was absolutely justified to be present and share this event."

In the vicinity stood another fan, who had come luggage in hand after riding a early transport from Valencia.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the location more than nine hours before the performance was due to start, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he discovered the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had become enamored with the group's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "I was taken aback to encounter all these teenagers here," he said with a smile. "How annoying, I thought I would be first in line because mature individuals don't do these things. But at present I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to the Italian city, the UK capital, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on the winter date.