Brit alt-rockers Muse brought the U.S. debut of their Will of the People production to a sold-out United Center crowd last night in Chicago. Touring in support of their ninth studio effort, it was a high-energy, audio-visual spectacle that spanned the majority of their genre-bending catalog.
A masked trio of Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme took the stage to the current title-track complete with a flame-engulfed backdrop representing a superposition of the letters WOTP—a striking tribute to the anarchy symbol widely adopted by the punk community in the ‘70s and thematic to the to the post-apocalyptic setting for much of their lyrical content.
Driving anthems “Hysteria,” “Though Contagion,” “Time is Running Out” and “Uprising” were interspersed across the set proper, each one fueling the general admission floor into a bouncing frenzy with hands pumping in unison; while the entire venue belted out the respective choruses at the top of their lungs. However, the show’s ebb and flow was constrained with a blend of deeper cuts such as “Bliss” from 2001 Origin of Symmetry and ethereal ballad “Verona” from their latest album.
The backdrop evolved into a three-dimensional hooded figure, clad in a clandestine mask, with an outstretched and gloved hand that stood watch from behind. It played a key role in the production value for much of the show, where the multi-faceted and mirrored mask reflected light in all directions, while the gloved hand frequently served as a light beacon. Six reflective panels above the stage changed position and angle to effectively channel light and control the mood. Streamers, confetti and 30-foot bursts of pyro also found their way into the mix.
Other subtle nuances helped transition the pace of the show. The three members walked to the end of a long thrust that divided the arena floor and disappeared into a drop as a pseudo curtain call following the frenetic “We Are Fucking Fucked.” Seconds later, Bellamy appeared upon the shoulder of the hooded figure for a solo instrumental rendition of “The Dark Side.” The others returned for the rousing “Supermassive Black Hole.” Meanwhile, two video screens projected futuristic and sci-fi animations between songs.
Without doubt, anticipation of a Muse performance brings expectation and they never disappoint. Each tour introduces a completely new artistic vision with conceptual aspects that define the atmosphere while delivering a message. This is a must-see show for even the most casual of fans.
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See photos below, by Dan DeSlover
