Muse  - Live - The O2 Arena

A major cancellation of trains was probably not the most pleasing news to the busy commuters gathered around London platforms; nor was it pleasing for the 20,000 Muse fans journeying to Greenwich on public transport. Those, however, who did make it in time for the openers ‘The Big Pink,’ were noticeably far more concerned with when Muse would venture onto the elaborate O2 stage. The term ‘fashionably late’ cannot really be applied to a rather unknown support act, and after 40 minutes of waiting, the group eventually take the stage to a rather dismal cheer. Despite their impressive slice of synthesised rock-pop, their set seems a bit on the repetitive side tonight, and a completely ridiculous misuse of constant strobe lighting didn’t help to satisfy the patient London audience. The odd “Hello London, thanks London” here and there suggests that communication is not this band’s speciality but nonetheless, at least crowd-pleaser ‘Dominoes’ goes down a hit.

The moments before a Muse concert could even be considered the most exciting events in live music. Over the last six albums, Muse have earned a well-deserved reputation as possibly the greatest rock group the world has seen. It’s astounding to think that three lads from Devon could have such an impact on modern music, yet here they are; a brand new album and a sold out tour. The fans lucky enough to secure a ticket for tonight tensely wait for the trio’s always-epic entrance. You can almost smell the excitement. And so with the lights being distinguished, the stage coming to life, and the sight of Matt Bellamy in ‘Mission Impossible-esque’ shades, the night has begun. Their setlist features both classic Muse tracks, and a selection of songs from the band’s latest release ‘The Resistance.’ There’s even a rendition of debut-album ‘Unintended.’ However, tonight’s performance of ‘Overture,’ the symphonic masterpiece composed by Bellamy himself, is what separates the youthful, Showbiz Muse from the band onstage tonight. This tremendous blend of perfectly executed harmonies, discordant guitar solos and jaw-dropping drum fills really shows how far Muse have come as a band, and how with time they have matured into this colossal super-power to a worldwide fanbase. A perfectly deserved appreciation for perhaps the most deserving, truly talented band that Britain has ever produced. Move over Queen? Ah, that’s for Freddie to decide.