Album Review: Muse – Live at Rome Olympic Stadium
2 min read
Since the release of their sixth studio album The 2nd Law in 2012, Muse has been touring worldwide. Having released two live show albums already, Muse decided to record their third at the Rome Olympic Stadium in front of 60,000 fans. Muse’s set included 20 songs from across their lengthy career as a band, whom will be celebrating their 20th anniversary next year. All these facts demonstrate that Muse is a pretty impressive band, with equally impressive music.
Lead singer Matt Bellamy said in an interview: “A lot of our songs have these big chanting moments or big communal shoutings… There are moments where people actually feel like part of the music.” This is evident throughout the live album, with fans singing at the top of their lungs in many songs (the lyrics “supermassive black hole” come to mind). This interaction with the fans, and the fact that Muse sound incredible live, is what makes the band an awesome live act.
The playlist for the Live at Rome Olympic Stadium album covers everyone’s favourite Muse tracks. Whilst there are mainly tracks from The 2nd Law – including Madness, their biggest selling song to date – Hysteria, Resistence, Starlight, Guiding Light and Uprising are also included. Knights of Cydonia, which Muse has played at every concert since it was written, makes an appearance halfway through the concert, as does the track written for Twilight – Supermassive Black Hole. These songs all sound exceptional, making Muse one of the rare bands that sound the same, if not better, than their studio recording.
Fans of Muse should take the time to buy themselves a hard copy of this CD, as it is also accompanied by a DVD. This DVD version includes additional bonus tracks, such as one of their very first hits, Time Is Running Out. The footage showcases the most extravagant set build and spectacular stage show of any Muse tour to date. The DVD also illustrates the mesmerizing journey created by the band during the show by using pyrotechnics, expansive digital screens, and a troop of actors to accompany their epic playlist.
Having been described as the perfect mix between showmanship and spectacle, Muse’s 2013 tour was one that was not to be missed. If you did unfortunately miss it, or simply wish to relive the mind blowing experience, Muse’s Live at Rome Olympic Stadium album is a must have.
