Epic Muse expands “Will Of The People” for United Center, spine-chilling support from Evanescence

Muse Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Some of Muse’s most dedicated supporters scored the chance to see the massive English band up close and personal at the Riviera Theatre right around the release of “Will Of The People,” but thankfully, there was another opportunity to get in on the otherworldly experience at the significantly larger United Center.

Of course, that show sold out as well, even around the farthest sides of the enormous and mirrored stage featuring a lenghty runway, but those who made it in the door were treated to an even fuller realization of the record, plus many months in between to have it memorized.

MuseGiven it’s an entirely new conceptual collection about the uncertainly and instability of the global society, intentionally crafted in the sonic vein of previous hits, all the current cuts easily fit beside older alternative and art rock epics.

In spite of the weighty subject matter and production straight out of a futuristic/apocalyptic sci-fi galaxy, it was impossible not to leave without hope for a better tomorrow, thanks to the communal spirit and spectacle, which only grew in astonishing awesomeness and explosiveness.

As is typically the case, Muse entered to totally full tilt status with the stomping title track to the current collection, then breathlessly tore through “Hysteria,” complete with an outro of Chicago’s own Smashing Pumpkins’ “Cherub Rock” in what was truly one of the fiercest openings imaginable.

Though “Psycho” was merely third in the running order, it could’ve been a finale that already found singer/multi-instrumentalist Matt Bellamy, bassist Chris Wolstenholme, drummer Dominic Howard and touring keyboard player/producer Dan Lancaster firing on all cylinders, followed ferociously by the much earlier rarity “Bliss.”

There was so much more to come, including a multi-dimensional, album artwork-themed display during the colossal “Compliance,” the inaugural live performance of an ethereal, confetti-adorned “Verona” and the tour debut of the electronic percussion pounder “The 2nd Law: Isolated System.”

MuseThe shred/strobe-heavy “Plug In Baby” paved the way for a masked and glowing Bellamy to bust out his instrumental, “Behold, The Glove,” leading into the steadfast scream-a-long “Uprising,” a commercial apex notably absent at the Riviera.

Yet Muse made sure to end with the wild, weird and equally wonderful “Knights Of Cydonia,” cementing its place as this generation’s masters of complexity who simultaneously move the masses.

The supporting Evanescence is no stranger to headlining and were thankfully given an entire hour to unleash its classically-inspired alternative rock/metal upon nearly as rapt of an audience.

Angelic yet intense leader Amy Lee and the band tore through spine-chilling tunes off its latest project, “The Bitter Truth,” while also dipping back to “Fallen,” which sold a staggering 17 million copies, just turned 20-years-old and appeared to hold up as if it was recorded yesterday.

Deanna Glatczak contributed to this review.


Click here for more photos of Muse at the United Center.

For additional information on Muse and Evanescence, visit Muse.mu and Evanescence.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include New Edition (Mar. 23); Wizkid (Mar. 24); John Mayer (Mar. 31); Depeche Mode (Apr. 5); Jo Koy (Apr. 7); Mana (Apr. 28-29); Blink-182 (May 6-7); Lizzo (May 17); Stevie Nicks (Jun. 23); Twice (Jun. 28); Anita Baker (Jun. 30); Windy City Smokeout (Jul. 13-16); Thomas Rhett (Jul. 28); Madonna (Aug. 9-10); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Arctic Monkeys (Aug. 27) and Depeche Mode (Nov. 13). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.