Muse Emirates Stadium Review

Flaming chimneys, a giant light bulb, a make-shift fake power station, oh, and a 10 foot robot. Muse aren't known for doing things by halves, and tonight is no different. The second of a 2 night residency at Arsenals Emirates Stadium had the promise to be the best gig of their enitre stadium tour. It was far from a let down.

Muse had chosen The 1975, who were really good, and Dizzee Rascal to support them. Here's the thing... many Muse fans did not like the choice of support, but I have to say, Dizzee far exceeded expectations.

  It's not every day you see your favourite band play, so my excitement for this gig was unparalleled. Muse had already played a bombastic set at Covetrys Ricoh arena, pulling out more than a few surprise songs along the way. Muse are a band for whom "second night syndrome" is common, so the crowd were buzzing with anticipation.

A part of The 2nd Laws dubstep homage "Unsustainable" opened things, before a band made bomb exploded at the end of the B-stage walkway. Things kicked off properly with "Supremacy" complete with fire spouting pyro from the aforementioned chimneys. Sounding as huge as ever, the 3 members of the Devon 3 piece can create a staggering amount of commotion considering they only have 3 (4 when live) members. Following up with the chart assaulting, Hendrix-via NYC nightclub, guitar driven "Supermassive Black Hole" before "Panic Station", tonight is already a hit with most fans singing word for word.

"Map of the Problematique" is as great as it ever was, truly a phenomenal live song, followed by the ever raucous and unhinged crowd pleasing "Hysteria". I forgot just how much fun that song is live! "Animals" features a banker throwing fake bank notes over the crowd and "Knights of Cydonia", well, it is what it is. The jewel in the Muse crown. You could feel the ground shake.

Next, I finally got the hear "Sunburn" from their debut album Showbiz. Sounding as meaty as ever, it is still arguably their best piano song. So, what would we get between the 2 piano songs? Dead Star was a massive treat for Coventry and the previous night... we weren't let down either. The intro to Absolutions album centre-piece "Butterflies & Hurricanes" always send chills down any Muse fans spine for the next 5 minutes. Muse at their very best, a great rock track with a piano solo in the middle. Only Muse. "Feeling Good" is wheeled out of whatever retirement home Muse should leave it in and "Follow Me", "Liquid State" and "Madness" are all brought out from the newest album. "Time is Running Out" which is preceded by "House of the Rising Sun" is as crowd pleasing as ever, before the main set ending sexy-thrash that is "Stockholm Syndrome".

Returning for a slowed down section of "Unintended" (with a stunning light backdrop, seen partially below), "Blackout" (with light bulb and acrobat), "Guiding Light" and "Undisclosed Desires", in which Matt walks the barrier and shakes hands with the fans! (A friend of mine finally got to shake his and Doms hand!), is actually not a bad section, especially if you are lucky enough to get on the barrier.

The second encore begins with a reprisal of "Unsustainabe" complete with Charles the robot, before the wailing, almost warning of things to come, air-raid siren intro of Muse' most recognisable song "Plug in Baby". The 2001 hit is still their most loved song for the majority of the audience and provides a huge moment in the set. Next is "Survival" complete with flames and triangular visuals worthy of a gig closing song (why they do not end with this is beyond me). Another break so Matt can change his clothes is taken before returning during "Isolated System" before an uplifting version of "Uprising" that has us all elated. Ending with "Starlight" which can be considered an odd choice, Muse have played to a crowd who are there simply to enjoy and be a part of one the greatest bands of modern times.

A great gig, with excellent energy, a loud crowd and an excellent set.