Moving swiftly onto the music, newbies I Am Arrows are up first and not only do they look like your typical indie band, they sound like your typical indie band too (I guess that's what happens when you're a former Razorlight member). Luckily, it's a bit too early for anything heavier right now and a few mellow tunes are exactly what's needed. Sadly, I Am Arrows push the term 'mellow' a bit too far and veer dangerously close to 'boring' with their repetitive songs. The only memorable song on their setlist is 'Green Grass'. It could have been worse (Johnny Borrell could have made an appearance) but it also could have been a whole lot better. 39/100 http://www.myspace.com/iamarrows
Following I Am Arrows are White Lies and it seems they have some kind of reputation to uphold as many an excited fan claim a spot closer to the stage. Thankfully, they're on better form than Razorlight (sorry, I meant I Am Arrows), and they manage to successfully master the art of 'mellow' music. They're a bit more upbeat too and a few crowd members take the time to sing along to songs such as 'Fairwell to the Fairground'. However, a large percentage of the crowd are too busy swigging beer or eating chips (most of which take a turn for the worse and end up spattered across the floor) to actually notice the band. Not a bad performance. 50/100 http://www.myspace.com/whitelies
Everyone's favourite Scottish band Biffy Clyro are up next and their imminent arrival is so anticipated that there appears to be a excited twitch spreading throughout the stadium. Opening with a vigorous rendition of 'That Golden Rule', Biffy appear to be giving it everything they've got tonight and the crowd are loving every second of it. Continuing with 'Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies' and old favourite 'Glitter and Trauma' it's clear that this is a predictable but nonetheless solid setlist guaranteed to get the crowd going. Biffy reach the peak of their set with the lively 'Who's Got A Match' and once again those who brave the mosh pit are treated to a worthwhile punch in the face as things get rowdy. 'Mountains' is another highlight which is topped only by recent single 'Many of Horror' which mesmerises not the majority, but everyone in the stadium. 81/100 http://www.myspace.com/biffyclyro
There are only a few times in your life when you will witness something truly awe-inspiring but I can guarantee that seeing Muse perform live will be one of them. As, the stadium is plunged into darkness and the crowd strike up a cheer so loud it's potentially dangerous, a procession waving brightly coloured flags take to the stage and before you know it, Muse have kicked off their set with 'Uprising' and the entire stadium is a jumble of moving bodies. The quality of their sound is perfection; there isn't a single moment during their set when you can't hear Matt Bellamy's stunning vocals over the deafening chants of the crowd. The visual aspect of Muse's live performance also makes them one of, if not THE best band going. The stage is bordering on an optical illusion and on top of this there is confetti galore (throughout 'Guiding Light'), giant eyeball balloons (filled with yet more confetti), a UFO which takes a turn around the stadium during 'Exogenesis: Symphony, Part 1 (Overture)' and a revolving platform which rises above the crowd while Muse perform 'Undisclosed Desires'. And if you think things couldn't get any better than that then you are sorely mistaken as Matt Bellamy ditches his shiny 'disco ball' suit in favour of one covered in neon lights. Highlights of the set include Supermassive Black Hole, Citizen Erased, Ruled By Secrecy, Feeling Good, Starlight, Plug In Baby and set closer Knights of Cydonia which saw the entire crowd go competely out of control. The only question is where was 'New Born'? I conclude with this thought: You haven't seen anything until you've seen Muse. 100/100 http://www.muse.mu
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