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Just before dawn broke over the Spanish capital, one eager fan secured a prime location in front of the city's massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the initial supporters to gather at the site, buzzing with expectations for the British band's first live show in seven years, kicking off a extensive continental journey.

"My excitement is through the roof. I can scarcely accept it's real," remarked the fan, who had come from his home country. "Given the extended wait, even were they play a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as attendees planned their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and reveled in the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had secured tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to musician Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Israel.

The matter continues as contentious for the band; subsequent to news stories about the boycott call, reporters were denied from getting tickets to review the performance. On Tuesday, the band did not reply to a question regarding the action.

In Spain, where hundreds of thousands have demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, in her twenties, who requested that her full identity not be shared. "As a fan, I was a little bit disappointed. But at least I think they understood the situation."

She mentioned the event last year in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, momentarily left the platform during a solo gig after a protester heckler called out: "What number of children killed will it take for you to speak against the genocide in the region?"

It was not the proper manner to react, said the attendee. "I didn't like his response." Ultimately, however, the music had won her over. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I experience music ... I really wanted to come and listen the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was 12 years old."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, released a statement saying the incident in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being interpreted as agreement," labeling the official, the Israeli leader, and his administration as "radicals" who "should be opposed."

Before the European tour, Yorke stated that he would "definitely not" perform in the country. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he continued.

Dedicated Fans Voice Their Thoughts

Several defended the artists, pointing to their extensive background of social engagement. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said a dedicated fan. "In my view the individuals acquainted with them, recognize that they are on the right side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the group perform, after falling in love when she originally attended them performing in the mid-nineties.

For these events she had admissions for several concerts: the premiere in Madrid and all the appearances in her nation of Italy. "They continually transform from album to album, they don't replicate identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of music-related tattoos. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And eventually you get bored."

New Generation Discovers the Fandom

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained many seasons without appearing as a group had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be future chance, the band has been around at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, eliciting amusement from those queuing up around him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to come here and enjoy this time."

Nearby waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The most recent instance the middle-aged man had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had arrived at the venue many hours before the show was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a recent fanbase – one that appeared unfazed by dawn arrivals or queues – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to find all these teenagers here," he said with a chuckle. "It's frustrating, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals skip these things. But currently I'm further back."

After four nights in the Spanish capital, Radiohead's tour will proceed to the Italian city, the UK capital, the Danish city and Germany, concluding on 12 December.