Just before dawn broke over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a perfect location in front of the the grand concert venue. He stood with the initial devotees to appear at the venue, buzzing with anticipation for the British band's comeback performance in an extended period, starting a extensive continental journey.
"I feel overwhelming joy. Like, I don't think this is happening," shared the 27-year-old, who had travelled from Italy. "Given the extended wait, even if they sing one track repeatedly, I'll be content."
The hours passed quickly as concertgoers planned where to stand in front of the circular stage, and celebrated the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a event that had sold out in minutes.
The war in Gaza was a subject that had arisen throughout the day, given that an advocacy organization had urged on people to avoid the concerts, pointing to band member Jonny Greenwood's previous show in Tel Aviv.
The topic seemingly remains contentious for the group; following earlier coverage about the boycott call, media representatives were blocked from getting tickets to cover the Madrid concert. On Tuesday, the musicians did not respond to a question regarding the choice.
In Spain, where a large number have marched in backing for Palestine, the group's decisions had left some fans torn. "I would have preferred if they had spoken out about it much earlier," said Lola, 22, who requested that her surname not be revealed. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."
She referenced the event previously in Melbourne, when the vocalist, Thom Yorke, briefly exited the performance during a personal show after a protester heckler called out: "What number of young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the genocide in the region?"
That wasn't the right way to answer, said Lola. "I disapproved of his response." In the end, however, the melodies had convinced her. "I obviously cannot manage my reactions when I experience their songs ... I truly desired to come and listen the voices and sounds that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."
Yorke later, issued a comment saying the event in Melbourne left him "stunned that my perceived quiet was somehow being taken as involvement," labeling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his administration as "extremists" who "should be opposed."
Ahead of the performances, the singer declared that he would "definitely not" play in the country. "I have no desire to be anywhere anywhere near the leadership," he remarked.
Several defended the band, referencing their long history of social engagement. "They've always stood for non-violence, they wouldn't shift now," said one supporter. "In my view the those familiar with them, know that they are on the just side."
The evening's performance was to be the 50th time she had seen the group play, after falling in love when she originally attended them live in 1995.
This time she had tickets for five of the shows: the premiere in the Spanish city and every single performance in her native land of Italy. "They constantly evolve from one record, they don't replicate similar shows," she said as she showed off her couple of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I was once a U2 fan but they kept doing the same things. And after a while you lose interest."
Among certain attendees, the fact that the group had been an extended period without performing together had introduced a feeling of importance into the current series. "There might not be subsequent occasion, the group has aged at this point," said Luka Arreaza, 20, prompting laughter from those standing nearby with him. "Therefore it was truly valuable to be present and experience this event."
Behind him sat an attendee, who had arrived with his bags after riding a morning train from his city.
The last time the fan had seen Radiohead was 22 years ago. For this event, he had come at the site over half a day before the show was due to start, convinced that he would be the lead person.
Contrarily he found himself confronted by the fact that a new generation – one that seemed comfortable with early hours or queues – had fallen for Radiohead's "evolved, elaborate, soul-touching" tunes. "It amazed me to find numerous youth here," he said with a laugh. "How annoying, I assumed I would be the initial person because older people avoid such activities. But currently I'm further back."
Following several performances in Madrid, the band's journey will move to the Italian city, London, Copenhagen and the European nation, finishing on 12 December.
Elara is a passionate writer and photographer who shares insights on creativity and mindful living through engaging storytelling.
