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As the sun prepared to rise over Madrid, one eager fan claimed a prime position in front of the city's grand Movistar Arena. He was among the first supporters to gather at the location, overflowing with expectations for the British band's first live show in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city continental journey.

"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think it's real," stated the 27-year-old, who had journeyed from his home country. "After such a lengthy hiatus, even should they perform one track 20 times in a row, I'll be happy."

The wait seemed short as concertgoers plotted where to position themselves in front of the round platform, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the lucky ones who had obtained tickets for a concert series that had sold quickly in a very short time.

Debate and Fan Reactions

The war in Gaza was a subject that had come up throughout the day, considering a pro-Palestinian campaign group had called on people to avoid the concerts, citing guitarist Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be sensitive for the artists; subsequent to news stories about the demonstration request, reporters were blocked from getting tickets to review the opening night. On the day of the show, the band did not answer to a inquiry regarding the choice.

Throughout the country, where a large number have demonstrated in support of the Palestinian cause, the group's decisions had left some fans divided. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it before," said one attendee, 22, who asked that her full identity not be published. "Being a supporter, I felt somewhat let down. But at the very least I think they realized their mistake."

She referenced the event last year in the Australian city, when the band's frontman, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a pro-Palestinian shouter shouted: "How many more children killed will it take for you to denounce the violence in Gaza?"

It was not the appropriate approach to respond, said the fan. "I disapproved of that reaction." In the end, however, the songs had convinced her. "Naturally have no power over what I feel when I listen to music ... I was determined to be present for the tunes and lyrics that I've been listening to since I was a child."

Artist's Statement

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the situation in the city left him "surprised that my supposed silence was somehow being taken as complicity," labeling the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his government as "extremists" who "need to be stopped."

Ahead of the performances, the artist declared that he would "certainly not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere in proximity to the Netanyahu regime," he added.

Loyal Followers Express Their Views

Some defended the group, citing their extensive background of advocacy. "They have consistently supported for harmony, they can't have changed now," said Alessandra Fossati. "I believe the those familiar with them, understand that they are on the correct side."

The opening show was to be the half-century mark she had seen the band perform, after becoming hooked when she first saw them live in the mid-nineties.

On this occasion she had tickets for five of the shows: opening night in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They constantly evolve from album to album, they never do identical performances," she said as she displayed her pair of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I was once a supporter of another band but they continued with identical actions. And over time you get bored."

New Generation Embraces the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the band had gone an extended period without playing live had brought a feeling of importance into the new tour. "Perhaps there will be no future chance, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, a young man, prompting chuckles from those queuing up beside him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to attend and experience this time."

Behind him sat Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after taking a morning train from his city.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the group was over two decades past. On this day, he had reached at the venue many hours before the concert was set to open, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he found himself confronted by the fact that a recent fanbase – one that seemingly did not mind morning queues or queues – had developed a passion for the band's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "It amazed me to see so many young people here," he said with a chuckle. "What a nuisance, I thought I would be the lead attendee because mature individuals avoid these events. But currently I'm 25th."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the group's series will move to the Italian city, London, the Danish city and the European nation, finishing on the winter date.