Muse, who replaced Kings of Leon, who had made them forget, delivered a superb show, perhaps the best of the 2025 festival. Powerful, visually appealing, and a unique moment at NOS Alive.
The English rock band, formed in Teignmouth, Devon, in 1994, left no stone unturned, delivering an unforgettable show from one of rock’s greatest bands. The trio consists of Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals), who used the colours of Portugal in tribute to Diogo J, and Dominic Howard (drums, percussion).
They were greeted by a packed house of fans for a visually spectacular live performance, as is the band’s custom.
Muse revisited a career of hits, with songs from the albums Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations, The 2nd Law, The Resistance, Will of the People, Drones, Origin of Symmetry, Showbiz, and Simulation Theory.
They opened with “Unravelling,” “Interlude,” “Hysteria,” and “Stockholm Syndrome” (featuring Rage Against the Machine’s “Township Rebellion” and Nirvana’s “Endless, Nameless”).
“Simulation Theory Theme” / [JFK] (Matt Bellamy song) (“Woman will be what she was born to be…” instead of “Man will be what he was born to be…”), “Won’t Stand Down,” “Thought Contagion,” and “Psycho” followed.
Muse’s sound is a powerful and evolving blend of alternative rock, progressive rock, space rock, hard rock, art rock, and electronica. This is their foundation. With complex structures, dynamic shifts, and an epic sound, they explore cosmic themes featuring heavy, energetic guitar riffs.
They incorporate experimental elements, classical influences (particularly from Romantic composers like Rachmaninoff and Chopin), and a strong presence of synthesisers and electronic textures. Many of their songs are anthems that resonate with large audiences.
Bellamy’s lyrics address themes such as government conspiracies, science fiction, dystopia, alienation, love, and the apocalypse. Their live performances are legendary for their energy, visual spectacle (with lights, projections, and stage props), and the band’s musical mastery.
They continued with “Kill or Be Killed” (Felsmann + Tiley Reinterpretation; shortened; Matt vocals on tape; Chris and Dom on bass and drums), “Compliance,” “Madness,” “Plug In Baby,” “Unintended” (Matt and Dan only; Cryosleep acoustic version), “United States of Eurasia,” “Hanging in Victory Square” (Matt Bellamy song) (short; second half only), “Time Is Running Out,” “Supermassive Black Hole,” “Uprising,” and “Knights of Cydonia” (with the intro of Ennio Morricone’s “Man With a Harmonica”).
With the audience won over, they still had time to delight fans with “The 2nd Law: Isolated System” (Dom and Dan only; Dan Lancaster remix), “Undisclosed Desires,” “Prelude,” and even “Starlight.”
Highlights of the Discography
- Showbiz (1999): Their debut album, which showcased Bellamy’s falsetto and a melancholic alternative rock style.
- Origin of Symmetry (2001): Expanded their instrumentation, incorporating classical influences and solidifying their reputation for energetic performances.
- Absolution (2003): The first of seven consecutive albums to reach number one in the UK, with hits like “Time Is Running Out” and “Hysteria.”
- Black Holes and Revelations (2006): Incorporated electronic and pop elements, with singles like “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Knights of Cydonia,” which brought them greater international success.
- The Resistance (2009)
- The 2nd Law (2012)
- Drones (2015): A concept album that marked a return to a heavier sound.
- Simulation Theory (2018): Notable for its strong synthesiser presence and science fiction influence.
- Will of the People (2022): His most recent album, which combines many genres and themes from his previous work.
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