Muse Final Night of Tour O2 Arena Docklands

The night didn't start off well as I set off to watch The Best Act in the World Today (according to Q magazine). Capital Connect had a revised timetable (i.e. cancelled several of the trains due to driver shortage) which meant that when I arrived the support band was already playing.

When I bought the ticket on the official release date I wasn't given a choice of seats. A complaint that I took up with the agents, See Tickets, who said that if I didn't like them I could have a refund as they would have no problem selling them. I therefore accepted my fate of being up 'in the gods', side on to the stage.

It didn't look good when I took my seat as I found it difficult to make out the band playing. They didn't look like Biffy Clyro who I was expecting as support and I was told it was Big Pink. One good thing with the O2 is that the sound is good wherever you are sitting so I sat back to enjoy the end of their set joining in with the chorus of their final song 'Dominos'

Time for a beer and preparing for Muse.

The lights dimmed and the 3 tower blocks on stage were illuminated with images as the intro played. The music started, the walls dropped from the second segment (of 4) from the tower blocks to reveal Matt, Dom and Chris on each block. I assumed that that's who it was as I could only see Dom on Bass as the others were obscured by Matt's tower. However, images of Matt and Chris playing were displayed onto the block so I assumed that they must be there.

It wasn't until midway through the second song that the platforms lowered to the stage and I could see all 3. The stage was circular and the audience was also seated behind. Matt pranced around stage during the act and at times the drum kit turned 360 degrees.

The lighting effects were stunning  and the sound was exceptional. How they manage to create so much sound with just the 3 of them + a guy playing keyboards and percussion hidden around the back is remarkable.

The set lasted nearly 2 hours having played a lot of the new stuff along with the classics but they went back to their first album for a rare rendition of Cave which was well received.

During 'Plug In Baby' giant balloons (reminiscent of The Prisoner) descended from the ceiling and when they were inevitably burst were found to contain confetti.

They ended the night predictably with 'Knights of Cydonia' by which time everyone was on their feet. A great sound, a great act, a great night - only wish I was closer.

The best band in the world? Certainly!

Make sure you catch them at the 2 stadium gigs next year.