Muse went full throttle at the Forum, cranking out a 2-hour set of velvet-fisted Euro-rock for the teaming SoCal masses. Opening with their explosive hit, Knights of Cydonia, this power trio instantly set the crowd up for what could be the best rock concert of decade. The consummate showman, Matthew Bellamy pranced the stage like a young Freddy Mercury when he wasn’t knocking out hard-edged hooks reminiscent of the late Jimmy Hendricks, making the crowd his rock’n’roll slaves. Themes of global conspiracy, extraterrestrial life, theology and the apocalypse invigorated the audience, compelling young and old alike to pump their fists and pogo-stick about the arena-sized mosh pit all night long, particularly with pleaser, “City of Delusion” which featured a live trumpet, and nearly brought down the house. Between songs, Muse kept the crowd going by doing short and snappy instrumentals including a 1-2 minute version of Hendricks’ “Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire,” among other songs. Muse’s blend of hard rock and classical music draws comparisons to artists such as Queen, Supertramp, and Rush, but Muse is really in a league of its own with its fearless spot on musical references to Hendricks, Dick Dale, and Eddie Van Halen. With more support from American radio, Muse could easily become the next U2 or Led Zeppelin. Thumbs way up.
Dasha Black
Staff Writer