Goldenplec

Walking into Marlay Park under the cover of threatening clouds, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into a shrunken version of Oxegen. Stage, food-vans and even toilets seem to have been lifted from the festival and driven down the road for one more chance to serve the public.

However, there was one noticeable difference between the 3 day festival and this concert. There was only one band on the lips of everyone, that band being one of the best live bands of this generation and possibly ever. The anticipation was palpable from the moment the gates opened. The crowd tried their best to get excited for Kasabian but it was all just to pass the time until Matt, Dom and Chris took to the stage.

The moment finally arrived at 9.15pm, when all the roadies finally left the stage after unveiling 4 huge satellites for screens, 7 standalone lights around the stage, lasers, smoke canisters and strobe lights. This band certainly know how to entertain a crowd, with song after song being met with a roar from the crowd and thousands of people following Matt Bellamy’s every word. From the beautiful piano solo in ‘Butterflies and Hurricanes’ to the indescribable energy of ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ the crowd were taken on a journey through the bands greatest works and everyone discovered just why this trio are hailed as the best live band around.

Even those threatening clouds didn’t live up to their threats. The drizzle of rain at the end of the show was almost welcome by the crowd as a chance to cool down from the 105 minutes of powerful music. Finishing with ‘Knights of Cydonia’, smoke shooting up into the air and a promise to be back next year, I struggle to see how anybody went home unhappy from this epic show.

As a side note, the planning of the gig could not be faulted. As much as MCD are criticised for for poor planning, particularly of outdoor gigs, I have to say both Oxegen and this gig went without a hitch.

Setlist:
1. Map of the Problematique (Seattle Manson)
2. Supermassive Black Hole (Glitterati Manson)
3. Dead Star (Kaoss Manson)
4. New Born (Glitterati Manson)
5. Hysteria (Silver Bomber Manson)
6. Butterflies & Hurricanes (Mirror Manson)
7. Feeling Good
8. Space Dementia
9. Drum and Bass
10. Invincible (Seattle Manson)
11. Bliss (extended) (Silver Bomber Manson)
12. Time Is Running Out (Glitterati Manson)

13. Riff + Stockholm Syndrome (Seattle Manson)

14. Take a Bow (Kaoss Manson)

Encore

15. Starlight (Black Manson)
16. Plug In Baby (Mirror Manson)
17. Man with a Harmonica
18. Knights Of Cydonia (Silver Bomber Manson, Rickenbacker 4003)

Link: Video of Muse-Map of the Problematique (Marlay Park 13/08/08)

Muse : New Born