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Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan secured a ideal position in front of the the imposing Movistar Arena. He was among the earliest devotees to arrive at the venue, buzzing with anticipation for the act's first live show in almost a decade, launching a 20-date European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this moment has arrived," stated the young man, who had come from Italy. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even were they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as fans planned where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had sold out in record time.

Debate and Supporters' Views

The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had appealed on people to skip the concerts, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's 2024 performance in Israel.

The topic seemingly remains contentious for the group; after reports emerged about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to cover the opening night. On Tuesday, the group did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where many thousands have marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers conflicted. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said one attendee, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be revealed. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the situation last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, Thom Yorke, briefly left the platform during a solo gig after a protester heckler shouted: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the proper manner to answer, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Finally, however, the music had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage my emotions when I listen to music ... I was determined to be present for the voices and sounds that I've been enjoying since I was a child."

Musician's Position

Subsequently, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as complicity," calling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "hardliners" who "should be opposed."

Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I have no desire to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Several stood by the group, pointing to their long history of social engagement. "They have long advocated for non-violence, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the correct side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band take the stage, after developing a passion when she originally attended them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had admissions for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and each show in her home country of the European country. "They continually transform from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her two Radiohead-themed tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a follower of different artists but they kept doing similar performances. And after a while you get bored."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

With several fans, the fact that the group had been many seasons without appearing as a group had brought a sense of urgency into the new tour. "There might not be future chance, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, 20, prompting chuckles from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and share this time."

Behind him stood Sergio Zapater, who had come with his bags after riding a early transport from his city.

The last time the middle-aged man had seen the band was 22 years ago. For this event, he had come at the venue over half a day before the concert was set to open, convinced that he would be the initial attendee.

Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or queues – had fallen for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to find so many youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I thought I would be the initial person because adults avoid such activities. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will proceed to Bologna, the UK capital, the Danish city and the European nation, concluding on the winter date.