Even though I've always liked the band I will fall into the category of a moderate fan. I own a few of their albums, not all of them. I had never seen them live before and I've never been close to becoming a die hard fan. Last nights show just might change that. What made the concert so good wasn't that they played all my favorite songs or that the audience was fantastic or anything like that. And Muse isn't the worlds greatest band either. But the show they put on was just so complete and whole hearted that it was impossible not to be impressed by the band's effort.
A common problem when you go to see big bands perform is that you're left wondering where the money went. Far too many bands and artists have the idea that a concert is simply plowing through a setlist of 15 or 20 songs, showing off their newest stuff mixed with something they know the audience will appreciate. And then take a bow and walk off stage, adding the numbers up and thinking about how much money they earned tonight. Watching Muse last night, there was no question where the money went. It was all up there. On stage in front of you. Ready to be taken in by the excited audience. Which is only fair. After all, we paid for it.
The stage had three massive platforms which went up and down as the band performed, the lights were overwhelming and flying everywhere and even though at first one might think it was simply too much, there was still a feeling that every beam of light had some purpose for the show. And with part of the illuminations being controlled by the bands frontman Matt Bellamy himself, you understand that with Muse nothing is ever "too much." And for the first time in a long time, the venue which is infamous for its poor sound, managed to roar out every tone pitch perfect, adding to the list of positive surprises. With the occasional shower of confetti or balloons, the audience never left the bands side.
Just shy of two hours the show came to an end. Walking out into the chilly autumn night it was impossible to feel cold. Because what made the concert one of the best in ages was that Muse wasn't simply out to impress you with their best songs. They didn't wanna score points just by playing for a long time, ensuring that the die hard fans were happy. Nor did they come simply to promote their new album and play mainly new stuff. They didn't set out just to play a decent concert. They didn't want to perform a "great live show." They wanted to offer an experience. And every rock concert or live show should be just that: an experience.
Muse at Oslo Spektrum - October 25, 2009
Photograph by Monica Strømdahl, Aftenposten
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