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As the sun prepared to rise over the Spanish capital, one eager fan claimed a perfect spot in front of the the massive Movistar Arena. He stood with the earliest supporters to arrive at the location, buzzing with hopes for the group's return to the stage in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"I'm incredibly excited. I can scarcely accept this is happening," shared the young man, who had travelled from Italy. "It's been so long, even were they sing a single tune 20 times in a row, I'll be content."

The wait seemed short as attendees plotted where to position themselves in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a concert series that had been fully booked in minutes.

Discussion and Audience Responses

The conflict in Gaza was another topic that had come up throughout the day, considering the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel had urged on people to boycott the tour, referencing band member Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Tel Aviv.

This issue appears to be contentious for the group; after reports emerged about the boycott call, media representatives were denied from receiving tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On the day of the show, the band did not reply to a inquiry regarding the action.

In Spain, where many thousands have taken to the streets in backing for the Palestinian cause, the artists' stance had caused some followers torn. "It might have been better if they had expressed their views about it before," said Lola, a young woman, who requested that her last name not be shared. "Being a supporter, It was disappointing. But fortunately I think they understood the situation."

She referenced the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, the musician, temporarily walked off stage during a personal show after a activist disrupter called out: "How many dead children will it take for you to condemn the atrocities in Gaza?"

That wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said Lola. "I disapproved of that reaction." Finally, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I obviously can't control my emotions when I hear the sound ... I was determined to attend and hear the music and vocals that I've been following since I was a child."

Band's Response

Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "in shock that my perceived quiet was somehow being seen as involvement," labeling the prime minister, the Israeli leader, and his government as "hardliners" who "need to be stopped."

Before the European tour, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" appear in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles anywhere near the current government," he added.

Dedicated Fans Express Their Thoughts

A number of stood by the group, pointing to their established record of activism. "They have consistently supported for peace, they wouldn't shift now," said Alessandra Fossati. "In my view the people who know them, know that they are on the just side."

Tuesday's concert was to be the 50th time she had seen the band play, after falling in love when she initially witnessed them performing in decades ago.

On this occasion she had passes for multiple performances: the first event in Madrid and every single performance in her home country of Italy. "They always change from album to album, they avoid repeating the same thing," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired body art. "Essentially, I was once a follower of different artists but they continued with identical actions. And after a while you get bored."

Recent Followers Joins the Fanbase

For some, the fact that the group had remained many seasons without performing together had injected a sense of urgency into the current series. "It's possible there won't be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, in his twenties, causing chuckles from those waiting in line beside him. "So it was really worth it to attend and share this event."

In the vicinity waited another fan, who had appeared with his bags after riding a daybreak rail from the coastal town.

The previous occasion the fan had seen the band was in a different era. This time, he had arrived at the site more than nine hours before the performance was set to open, sure that he would be the initial attendee.

Instead he found himself confronted by the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or queues – had developed a passion for the group's "sophisticated, complex, emotional" songs. "I was surprised to encounter all these teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be first in line because mature individuals skip these things. But currently my position is later."

Subsequent to multiple shows in the Spanish capital, the band's journey will travel to Bologna, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, ending on mid-December.