Muse Simulation Theory UK Tour Summer June 2019

Muse 

Simulation Theory Tour UK

Summer June 2019

Well fun time again!! We are here in great expectations (ahem.) of 'Muse's latest Stadium offerings, beginning here in London at West Ham's home stadium in the searing heat ...its 30F.

As it reaches fever pitch in the queuing stakes as there is no actual queue but we have a problem as hundreds waiting at Gate 1! there appears to be no assistance from security who dont seem to be handing out water to anyone either, even Virgin trains are more hospitable.

Yes it was clear from the get go things were not panning out on opening night for the fans on day 1 of the tour, stewards were rude and unhelpful so as gate 1 finally opened at 5pm we were told not to push then we did have a problem people stampeded in towards the turnstiles you could say after queueing from the early hours I was not amused.

Finally going through the doors to the stadium was no easier there were bins blocking the side of the open door yes 1 open door which I had to shunt the bin out of the way, then worse still we were stopped on the stairs (I was about 20 people back now) I looked down in disbelief at the sight of a wall of security all the way accross the floor more than thrity at least.. I didnt count holding Red 'Lollypop'  signs reading 'Stop' (my worst fxxkin nightmare) and something began akin to the 'Hunger Games' who needs the enhanced experience this is it the real one !!.

As we attempted to descend to the floor more people came down behind and we're pushed in a messy walk toward.. I say walk it was more a scary slow shuffle, and even then security were getting crushed in the panic ,in short you had no freedom of movement literally WTAF !! 

I ended up somewhere on Chris's side of the walkway on the right in from of the camera arm through fast thinking it was best I could manage.

The Show started with 'Pale Waves', but that didnt matter I could'nt see the main stage at all, so already feeling boiling hot in the open topped stadium, one person from barrier he was fxxkin tall let me tell you, but something else was wrong I was sleepy no I mean really almost unconsious at different levels I kept grabbing cups of water and throwing them all over me everywhere not feeling better, having to thump myself hard

 several times in the chest it eventually dawned on me 'Heat Stroke' Fxxk!! .

As 'Tom Morello' the guitarist of 'Rage Against The Machine' 'Audioslave' and the now 'Prophets Of Rage' took to the stage I had been excited about this for months but now I wanted him to hurry up and finish as I struggled to keep myself awake, riff after riff my breathing and heartbeat through the roof, I'm not going to survive before Muse I'm going to fail I must not fail... I think.., drenching myself with water in a complete mess.

The backing track starts with 'Georgio Moroder' the 'Jan Hammer'  'Miami Vice' theme the excitement around me is fever pitch, I've literally no energy not sure if I'll see a single bit of the show.

As the smoke glides accross the stage and the LEDS light up the stage walkway, then lights on I take a deep breath, I Must NOT pass out, ''Algorithm' starts and the 'Muse' dancers arrive on the walkway, 'Matt' is standing on a platform of the bottom of the walkway (B Stage) mic in hand in his custom made diamante bomber jacket, shades on ...I'm Awake (A minute ago I was almost dead now resurrected by the sheer miracle of Muse).

As 'Matt' runs up to the main stage for 'Pressure' the crowd come to life, the dancers with sliding trumpets march down the walkway,it's a fast moving show highly choreographed like nothing they have done before,it back to business with 'Psycho', with 'Chris descending down the walkway for a bass solo ,but perhaps a real highlight is the next track 'Break It To Me' with dancers in astronaut oufits abseiling down the huge LED Screen and later the crowd jumping about when 'Uprising' begins "They Will Not Control Us' .

Then the team of dancers picked up their weapons in this case tubes with with copious amounts Co2 dry ice shooting them off everywhere, sometimes you can be too close you get soaked, camera session a no,no in this bit, 'Propaganda' begins with its first UK Live debut with 'Matt' moving about amongst the dancers, mic in hand in character as 'The Glove' more on that later.

He picks up his 'Manson' guitar and teases the crowd with an array of strained notes you can't kid me I know instantly it's 'Plug In Baby' he poses holding guitar aloft, shades still on and runs off up to main stage, it's 'Dom's turn as he goes over to the left to play a HUGE I mean HUGE Bass Drum and a Fxxkin Gong !! the focus is now on him as 'Pray' (High Valerian) a song written by 'Matt' for 'Game Of Thrones' is playing in the foreground.

There he is with newly blonded hair drum sticks in hand in deep concentration, I miss the straight forwardness of a Rock Show here but it's a thrilling concept they have come up with, it's certainly different for them.

'Matt' reappears on the main stage for 'Dark Side' the video visuals form the LED backdrop behind the band , poor Morgan tucked away at the back on percussion somewhere the fourth member of 'Muse' in the live shows.

There's a subtle hint of  'Close Encounters' Theme by 'Matt' on the walkway complete with timed lighting that mimicks the spaceship in the film, and he sashay's back up to the main stage for 'Supermassive Black Hole' bouncing up and down in those leather trousers a look that suits him!!

The dancers return climbing up onto the walkway and staggering around it's 'The Zombie' themed part of the show 'Green' smoke engulfing the end of the stage, 'Matt' in the middle, dancers circling him on 'Thought Contagion' just a mic in hand again.

Over on the main stage to play 'Hysteria' 'Chris' is walking down again to the lengthy B Stage displaying his Green LED Bass guitar in the spotlight before heading off to the main stage as if that was'nt breathtaking enough for any #Muser (fan) we get 'Bliss' ..Wow takes me back , the crowd are stunned, gasps around the stadium the atmosphere electric, the pace slightly ebbed by a interval with Futuristic robots on the screens behind ,and later an acoustic of 'Dig Down' on the end of the walkway by all 3 . 

The walkabout happened during 'Mercy' as 'Matt' steps down high fiving and shaking the hands of lucky fans he's wearing his best black PVC wet look jacket ending the performance with multicolured confetti everywhere .

Then a selection of Riffs in a sort of Metal megamix that included fan favourites (Futurism,Unnatural Selection, Micro Cuts) I think you could say they've tried to please everyone on this tour.

And there's so much more to come so much more as later in the 1st encore 'Matt' emerges with synths in Red White flashing LED Jacket and shades putting on sci-fi glove during 'Algorithm' the Alt Reality version,he lifts his arm aloft in movie star fashion singing the lines "This means war for your creator"!! before returning to the main stage to unplug a futuristic games console,Lights Out!! Is it a powercut, no something is emerging....

Lurking behind 'Dom's drum kit, it's arms getting bigger and wider, his head goes up getting bigger... No Bigger... No Massive ...HUGE it's 'Murph' !! he's still growing no I mean he's really growing the Blue shape now a fully grown 39 ft Robo-Alien with helmet on head ,feircesome teeth open mouthed flashing lights, his fingers  enclosing 'Matt' and 'Chris' I've never seen anything like this everything about 'Murph' is Huge that the crowd gasp in disbelief but you can hear it all around the stadium,it's second time I used this word but the show is unbelieveable!!

'Stockholm Syndrome' blasts out along with another metal medley 'Assassin', 'Reapers' and 'The Handler' and 'New Born' all the while the battle of 'Muse' vs 'Murph' is played out with only 'Dom' safe from his snaking arms and long fingertips, I thought he'd knock 'Matt' flying I swear, I thought he clouted him at one stage, you really had to see it to believe it he's a living breathing member of 'Muse' now, the crowd took to him accross this tour he's the star of the show.

Then he dissappears just enough time for 'Knights Of Cydonia' as 'Chris' begins 'Harmonica Man' its begins with a huge  crowd sing along the crowd bouncing "No One's Going To Take Me Alive" !! No one did I survived it the whole show and sun going down and air cooling led to it being the perfect end of the show what a gig!!

Final waves to the crowd and 'Matt' turns round to blow a kiss and then it's 

'Game Over'.

Of course 1 show is never enough and for 'Bristol' I'm early entry there's a surprise in store for me, No not my free Lunchbox gift, the 'Manson' display with an array of guitar models one of 'Matts' and I get to pose with it, feel's amazing to pose with his actual guitar with 'kaos pad' flashing , I'm truly honoured,technically 'Bristol' is a hometown show it not being far from 'Devon' so 'Matt' acknowledges this and notes he has never played the stadium here before.

Next show and last in 3 is 'Manchester' and you really don't dissapoint when it comes to the rain do you 'Mancunia', it rained much of the day with many fans staying away as not only was it raining but windy too, such misery.

By the time doors opens much of the bad weather abated in time Highlight was 'Tom Morello' joining 'Matt' during the end of 'Break It To Me' that was special as 'Tom' is 'Matts' guitarist role model the crowd were loud here ,rain stopped before the band got on stage , Manchester loves 'Muse'.

This tour yet again surpassed the last one, the only other artist I've known to have this effect is 'Madonna' the theatrics and effects pushed everytime, 'Muse' are fast becoming 'Rock Royalty' as challenging as this VR based show is  'Muse' and 'Murph' nailed it !!!

     

LMi xo

Next time .. 

We step back in time on tour with a princess....

Neighbourhood Weekender Warrington Victoria Park 25-26th May 2019

Neighbourhood  Weekender 

     

Victoria Park  Warrington

   May 25th-26th 2019 

                          

                       Saturday- Day 1

So here we are again another year on from last years successful 'Neighbourhood Weekender' and its different weather with it mostly overcast on Day 1, still some sunshine though.


I'm reporting from the main stage today and there are hours of entertainment  to come, the first band on to go on stage are 'The Seagirls' which I seen last year at 'Truck Festival' they have a good following here, a couple of people even wearing their t-shirts,very likeable catchy indie vibes.


Next band to take to the stage are 'Yonaka' another superb upcoming rock band from 'Brighton' who I've been meaning to see as they were recommended.

They were every bit as I expected  'Rock/Grunge' a bit like 'Black Honey/Hole', the singer is an energetic front woman 'Theresa' not the most popular name at the moment , superb riffage and they also have a Great Drummer in rhythm.

Yes this band are fantastic and a great opener for 'Main Stage'. 

It's then over to 90s band 'Embrace' to entertain the crowd in the brightening sunshine Belting out hits like 'Gravity' 'Come Back To What You Know', and his brother on guitar singing a track he had a very good voice the crowd loved him and after their half hour they closed with 'All You Good People'. 

Making his way to the stage for a second time is 'Londoner' 'Tom Grennan', he has the crowd in his hands just listen to the response as he walks on as he plays his set with one fan stood next to me shouting 'I Love You' he takes his shades off looks right at her and says 'I Love You Too' shes crying tears of joy and shaking bless her.

His voice is fantastic all the songs off his last album are well known now with the crowd in full voice on 'Found What I've Been Looking For' and 'Sober' noteably on 'Don't Make em Like You' and 'Barbed Wire' what a voice and hes a star in those sunglasses and those baggy trousers !!!

Next up the mood is changing for the arrival of 'Nothing But Thieves' one of my favourite rock bands, I've seen them a lot back on 'Muse's Drones Tour in 2016 and once at 'The Academy' in Manchester, they are a great live act and never dissapoint.

'Connor' arrives on stage in dungarees and 'Slipknot' t-shirt he starts things of by yelling "Neighbourhood Warrington, are you ready?" the crowd squash in its going to be a bumpy ride 'Warrington' strap in !!! 

They play favourites from the debut album which includes 'Tripswitch' crowd went mad, 'Hostage' and the very lovely 'Particles' off 'Broken Machine' album yes now it feels like we're at a gig .

Of course the main act tonight is 'Glasgow's finest 'Primal Scream' and their entrance is iconic !!

'Bobby Gillespie' all suited up in Bright Pink with a greatest hits setlist to floor even the lesser rock followers among the crowd 'Movin On Up' and speeding through with '1994's 'Jailbird' into the dance genre with 'Acid Rock' tinged 'Kowalski' followed by 'Miss Lucifer' and 'Swastika Eyes' and 'Kill All Hippies' climaxing as the sun goes down with '1991's 'Higher Than The Sun' and '1990's smash hit 'Loaded' for the Rave Generation.

On the Encore they are bringing in 'The Stones' influence with 'Country Girl' and ending with their biggest hit of the mid 90's 'Rocks'.

It's now quickly over to the tent for last act 'You Me At Six' and currently playing are 'Pale Waves' finishing their set dosent matter I'll catch them on tour next month in the next blog more later ,as I attempt to surge my way to the through to the barrier.

So I mingle quite easily on to front barrier before 'Josh' even belts out a note,the crowd go crazy and mainly his adoring female fans are up front, some are struggling after 'Underdog' 'Josh' is signalling to security something is wrong some girls are getting squashed in the middle and he grabs the mic and says "I'm not Carrying on until everyone is Ok" ,telling them "Look after each other".

The Person now safely pulled out of the crowd and its on with the show they play a lot of newer material from their 'Night People' album my fav track 'Room To Breathe' was played at the end of the show , Josh and co played a blistering set with his band what a great start Warrington !

                          

  Day 2- Sunday

Sunday's entertainment begins back in the tent because the lads from 'London' are headlining tonight, I'm so excited they are playing my home town I cant tell you , well actually Yes I can... I'm really excited 'White Lies' are playing my hometown I think you're all in for a treat!!!

First band on are ' When Young' they are currently playing small venues to a varied crowd apparently they are quite good ,I'm not quite sure ...I prefered 'Yonaka' but they are another female fronted 'Rock Band' females are dominating the festivals this year for sure.

Next band another band from 'Scotland' 'The Snuts' a massive following in Scotland known for their raucous blend of Punk meets Indie Combo and Scotland's version 'The Enemy vs Arctic Monkeys' ,again they seem to of brought their fan base to the Tent alongside me a bunch of lets say slightly merry and excitable blokes and girls with the Saltire flag ...all good fun !!.

Next Pop Emo Duo 'Bad Sounds' think 'Panic At The Disco' Vs 'Hot Chip', their show is fast paced from the get go,they are both wearing custom made boiler suits, they throw themselves about the stage and cause a stir with the crowd possibly trying to bring the energy 'The Slaves' would of brought to the main stage (replaced By Circa Waves) but they pulled out last minute due to band members wife waiting anyday to have her child.

'Sam Fender' was also ordered to pull out from the Tent for illness leaving a gap to be filled.

'The Amazons' arrive to a warm welcome from the crowd its getting busier now as the afternoon goes on, this band are a festival success story 'The Amazons' live show is a punchy bright, electrifying experience,the stage adorning a flash symbol turning from Blue to Orange to Red again in front of the drumkit. 

Their front man looking tall in a Tweed suit at least it looks like tweed the smoke is blurring my vision he's playing a flying V guitar I can tell you that.

The crowd clearly here to see them as the tent fills up with fast with their followers,their guitarist taking control of the stage for closing number.

Going back to the pop vibe Ireland's 'Picture This' are next on, their singer has funky dance moves he wearing a pink summer Tshirt with a waistcoat and he's got his dancing pumps on, he's clearly giving Danny of the 'Script' a run for his money. 

The crowd are clapping and joining in, he contorts himself about the stage leaning back on floor, before later stripping off top showing off his tattoos on his chest and arms putting pay to the squeaky pop image and picking up his acoustic guitar to sing a slower track, their sound quite contagious. 

Newcastle's Indie Punk pioneers 'The Futureheads' are next they've got the patter with the crowd 'Barry Hyde' who took a break from the band a few years ago to train to become a chef .

Returning and playing songs from the ground breaking debut album 'Heartbeat Song' and 'Decent Days & Nights' ,'Beginning Of Twist' I was loving what this band brought to the stage I was jumping and dancing about to them they were amazing they finished with 'Hounds Of Love' a hit from  2005. 

So it was now time for the penultimate act 'Kate Nash' shes playing an extended set though why they didn't just let the boys do a longer slot I don't know ??? I started off not a Huge fan of Ms Nash.

She arrived onstage with her all female band on drums and guitars with a stage set from a glamourous Cafe bar show, her name up in pink sparkly lights, dressed in a satin sea green coloured box style jacket , a shorter than short skirt in similar satin design, with fishnets, her hair held back in long plaits, and Dr Marten boots.

She completely dominated the stage clambouring on the speakers her Pro-women speeches was engaging her energy quite astonishing I remember the video for 'Foundations' I was nothing like the 'Kate' before me tonight,she crowd surfed not once but twice, stage diving during the encore,she is a very real person under that Indie Icon Persona at times emotional this made her set all the more enjoyable, she meant what she said about image and pressure on women the politics struck a chord,I enjoyed it .

Last up on 'Tent Stage' London's 'White Lies' my band in my hometown seeing how euphoric they are onstage with fans from here that have never had the live 'Lies' experience will be special.

The boys reception was energetic, 'Harry' didnt say "Hello Warrington" he choose to say "Hello Neighbourhood" beaming smile already , dressed in Black with 'Charles' over on the right blasting out the meaty riffs on the bass on 'Time To Give', 'Jack's drumming as ever passionately remarkable.

What surprised me was the crowd they seemed to know all the words to the new songs  welcome to the club !!, this year marks 10 yrs of 'White Lies' and next track 'Farewell To The Fairground' is testament to that success, the whole crowd coming to life in unison.

Then its back to Album 3 with 'Big Tv' fav  'There Goes Our Love Again', 2 tracks from previous album 'Friends', the debut live favourite 'Death' with the crowd bouncing like not seen since the 2013 shows, and the boys have the crowd in the palm of their hands .

With their new uber successful album 'Five' the song 'Tokyo' brings the house down and mega hit 'To Lose My Life' closing with  'Ritual' 'Bigger Than Us thats it they've done it !!

The boys come forward with Keyboard player 'Tommy' taking some of the glory as they take a well earned bow,so proud of them, all 4 are satisfied with that performance and so are the packed crowd what a Rush !!!

Speaking of Rushing ...time to make a last minute dash to the main stage for the last act of the weekend  'The Verves's ,'Richard Ashcroft' I persevered and got front barrier for 'Richard' as he was playing 'Sonnet' through the thousand strong crowd, as he comes into veiw wearing silvery glitter bomber jacket and trademark shades, the sun goes down to the soundtrack of 'Lucky Man' ,'Space And Time' .

You can see the impact he has on grown men in their 30's and up ,some reduced to tears especially as 'Richard' introduces the next song track telling the crowd "This is now my song" (The rights once fought over by The Stones,case dropped and rights given to Richard and 'The Verve' for it) I'm talking of course about 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' No1 in 1997.

The Natural Rebel Nails it !!, the crowd mesmerised  by his presence and those iconic vocals that they don't want him to leave the stage shouting for more, Arise Sir Richard Messiah of  'The North' what a way to close the festival.





Shall we do it again next year... I think so.

Lmi xo

Next time we've a date on Tour with a robot from the future...yes really oh and hes about 39 ft tall !! .....