It’s getting dark in the Mediapark, the rain is falling incessantly on the glass fronts and office buildings typical of inner-city business parks, when the Muse logo begins to flicker nervously. Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme are notorious for their extraordinary live shows and this one was no exception. In just over an hour, the British rock band presented their audibly inflamed fans with well-known hits such as “Plug In Baby” and “Psycho” as well as titles from their new album.
“Will of the People”: Disguised best-of album with new tracks?
At the end of August, Muse divided the music critics with their recently released album “Will of the People”, which was inspired by science fiction and shockingly close to current world events. And even before that, there was disagreement in the background about the character of the ninth Muse studio album: the record company wanted a best-of compilation, the trio around frontman and head of the band Matt Bellamy delivered ten completely new tracks instead: dance, glam rock – and metal anthems that follow their biggest hits thematically and stylistically.
Bellamy had his audience under control
When Muse took the stage in the Mediapark with the eponymous track “Will of the People”, Bellamy had his audience under control without much effort: In his own album shirt and fashionably daring trousers with wild prints, he intuitively moved across the stage. Sometimes he was seen playing on his knees, sometimes he jumped energetically and always seemed lost in his music.
Muse in the Mediapark: “Simulation Theory” in real life
A “super-massive” screen that spanned the entire stage, showing dystopian scenes from the band’s video game-like music videos, supported the show. Lighting effects were not skimped on during the set either. The atmosphere was particularly influenced by the grey, rainy weather that accompanied the evening. As Muse rained down heavy riffs and lyrics about war, authoritarianism and mass seduction, the rain did its part to round out the experience.
It even went as far as having an on-screen thunderstorm during “Hysteria” that was perfectly complemented by the actual weather. This gave the impression of being in a comprehensive simulation that was meticulously planned and merged with the theme of “Will of the People”.
Fans show their ‘compliance’ to Muse
The broad concept of the show was also reflected in the dynamic between Bellamy and his audience. For the lines “We just need your compliance/You will feel no pain anymore/ No more defiance/Just give us your compliance” from the new title “Compliance” he slipped into the role of the authoritarian leader. With a clenched fist and a proud attitude, he recited the lyrics, which were often interpreted as an allusion to the Corona policy. Meanwhile, the audience “subdued” with rhythmic head nods to the beat of the catchy dance melody and vocally professed their docility again and again.
Observer with a penchant for sci-fi dystopias
Which political opinion the band assigns itself to remains largely unknown. Bellamy thus reveals himself merely as an observer without going all out politically. In a world where increasingly being asked to choose one or the other, only to be quickly categorized, Muse’s music incorporates observations with Bellamy’s penchant for dystopian tales.
In an interview, he explained that he had the feeling that something was breaking out, that something was changing that could break the West. He therefore wishes for a peaceful revolution in which all sides work together and focus on what they have in common. So he would see it as positive if people with different views could identify with the new album.
Bellamy with LED jacket and synth glove
There was definitely no fear of identification during the concert – every song, whether old or new, was happily accepted by the audience. At the latest with their 2006 hit “Supermassive Black Hole”, whose vocals are inspired by Prince and at the same time have Death Metal overtones, all the spectators in the stands got up.
Other classics followed, such as “Plug In Baby” and “Uprising”, which was voted multiple times for its guitar riff. For the second half of the concert, which opened with “Behold, The Glove,” Bellamy wore a glowing LED jacket that fans may already be familiar with from the accompanying music video. The glove with the built-in synthesizer, which is part of the outfit, was also used. On the one hand, this tool surprised, on the other hand, it fitted so perfectly into the overall concept of the show that it was hardly shocking anymore.
The melancholic, mysterious instrumental “The Gallery”, which evokes associations with video game soundtracks, was the show’s only quiet moment.
Despite cult status, Muse delivers a down-to-earth best-of show
Although Muse have convinced themselves over the years with their willingness to experiment and openness, all members appeared balanced and down-to-earth on stage. This was reflected, among other things, in their ability to slip into roles for some songs, but also to leave them again in good time. The fact that Bellamy, Howard and Wolstenholme have been making music together uninterruptedly for over 30 years is evident on stage in their precision and immersion in their work.
In this way, they gave their sometimes aloof titles a human component with a strong character. With their rain-covered presence, they filled the scenery of the Mediapark and offered their party-mad audience a venerable best-of show.
The concert was broadcast live by Telekom and can now be viewed via MagentaMusic be streamed.
<!–
–>
<!–
–>