Muse (Benefit for Coalition for the Homeless) @ Central Park SummerStage (New York, NY) on July 24, 2017 [Photos & Show Review]

One thing that is undeniable: Muse can put on one hell of a show. Even on a dreary night, with a 90 percent chance of thunderstorm, nothing could stop Muse, and their 6,000 fans from creating an electric atmosphere and lighting up Central Park with the power of rock n’ roll. On July 24th, I saw a show unlike any other I’d seen before.

The sole band to perform that night, Muse played for just over an hour and a half, mixing their 17 song setlist with classics such as “Hysteria” and “Time Is Running Out,” along with newer hits such as “Psycho,” “Uprising,” and “Undisclosed Desires.” A fun addition to their setlist was a cover of “New Kind Of Kick” by The Cramps, which had Matt Bellamy dressed as Elvis and various video effects on the screen.

Opening with their newest, “Dig Down,” had mixed crowd reactions from their more die-hard fans. They quickly redeemed themselves when bassist Chris Wolstenholme played a bass with two necks, one regular frets and one MIDI, attached to an iPad. Oh, and did I mention it glowed in the dark? So cool. The band also made sure to thank everyone for coming, and supporting an important cause. Drummer Dominic Howard, personally thanked the Coalition for the Homeless for all they do in NYC.

The best moment of the night, hands down, however, was when Muse played “Starlight,” a popular song off of the acclaimed album Black Holes and Revelations. Ironically, the bridge contains the album title in it, and when Bellamy crooned “Our hopes and expectations // Black holes and revelations,” the band cut off for a moment to let the crowd shine, singing the lyrics at the top of their lungs entirely acapella. It was truly a beautiful moment.

Closing with “Knights of Cydonia”, which can be argued as Muse’s best and most complex song, it was a night to remember. And the rain held out after all! Catch Muse on their remaining dates with 30 Seconds to Mars and PVRIS! Along with upcoming international dates, listed below.

08/19 – London, England – The Passage Benefit at The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
08/23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Belfast Vital
08/25 – Leeds, England – Leeds Festival
08/27 – Reading, England – Reading Festival
09/15 – San Francisco, California – Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/16 – San Diego, California – KAABOO DEL MAR
09/18 – Morrison, Colorado – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
09/20 – Salt Lake City, Utah – USANA Amphitheatre
09/23 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Life Is Beautiful Festival
12/16 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
12/18 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena