The Best Live Act You Say? I Couldn't Agree More

It was September 10, 2010 and night one of the two sold out shows Muse would play at Wembley Stadium. I had been waiting for this moment, to see them play in the UK, since I was 15 and first introduced to the talented trio. Like going to most other stadium shows this involved waking up bright and early to head out to the venue. This was so that we would be able to be in front of the line to ensure a great spot at the front of the pit. As we get to the venue it is time to line up and wait, we listen to music, eat snacks, we mingle with people around us and at one point even fall asleep. As time gets closer the line stretches farther and soon enough the doors are ready to be opened. Soon enough we had our tickets scanned, once this was done it was time to sprint. Usually with big venues such as Wembley they make you go down through the stadium stairs and then it’s onto the floor. With my friend right by my side we run down the stairs and search for the best spot to move in towards the front, this usually involves having to be a bit forceful and moving our way into the crowd. Once our spot was claimed we play the long waiting game while standing. The opening acts came on and then it was time for Muse. Wembley is now fully packed and everyone is anxious for the band to start performing. The lights go out and the giant stage, which was widely talked about because it resembled a giant space ship, is lit up with video footage of Muse’s dressing room. The crowd instantly erupts with cheers. Then the theatrical performance begins. A large group of people are then marching around the stage carrying giant flags and holding signs that read off the lyrics from their first song on the set list, Uprising. Muse then comes out and Matt , the lead singer starts whaling off the powerful lyrics. Instantly the crowd goes crazy and it’s a free for all on the floor. The crowd is jumping up and down and dancing along, soon after a mosh pit erupts around the front.

There was so much energy in the stadium and it was a sight to see the band and audience feeding off each other. Muse has been known for their theatrical and extravagant performances, it is easy to say that there is never a dull moment when the trio performs. With amazing set designs, light shows, weather balloons falling from the ceiling containing confetti, and fire works it’s easy to see why. But this time Muse took it up a few extra notches. The night was full of amazing live performances but one of the best parts was being able watch and hear the solo sessions in-between songs. At one point the drummer Dom and the bass player Chris were lifted up into the middle of the stadium on a giant platform, and they pounded out some amazing drum and bass sounds. Then eventually altogether, the band was risen up with the giant platform into the middle of the stadium, with Matt suited up in a giant light suit ready to play Undisclosed Desires. But nothing compares to when the band performed Exogenesis Part.1 that night. As the song started a giant UFO floated out into the stadium and then there was an unexpected surprise. A spacewoman flew out of it performing a circus summersault act. The crowd all stood around amazed at this sight and many paused to look up and take in the music being played along with the beautiful performance. 

With a 23 set song list, Muse was able to entertain the crowd by playing everything from their mosh worthy hits, to their eerie and enchanting piano based songs, all the while leaving the crowd wanting more. It was as if the crowd and the band were in sync, Muse made the crowd feel like they were a part of their theatrical show. In all the times I have been able to see them live nothing can compare to seeing them that Friday night at Wembley Stadium, truly a performance that I will always remember.

Sally Maciel

University of California, Santa Barbara