Am I Just Old...........Or Is This Band Really THAT Good?

Read this review of Muse in today's San Jose Mercury News. I consider myself fairly hip musically............I try to stay up with what's going on, anyway. But look at what this writer said about these guys............a band that I've never even as much as heard of!
"Muse is far better in concert than U2 -- as well as any other rock band you might want to name. This is not a new development. Indeed, Muse has arguably been the most consistently spectacular live act in rock over the last eight or so years." Also, "The group, was supporting 'Drones', it's chart-topping seventh album released in June." And, regarding guitarist/vocalist Matt Bellamy, "His operatic voice -- one of the finest in the history of rock 'n' roll............"
WOW. And this from a guy that I read quite a bit in this newspaper who seems pretty knowledgeable. "Most consistently spectacular live act in rock over the last eight or so years?"
REALLY? ABB just retired a year ago, dude.
I'm interested in comments from anyone who is familiar with these guys. FYI they are only a trio. Are they really that good or is this a lot of hype? One thing that taints my opinion is that he is comparing them to U2, and I have a real hard time getting into U2. If you haven't seen them...........has anyone heard Drones? I want to know what all the hype is about. I guess youtube would be a good start.

Based on this one cut I just tried............just don't get it. Admittedly, this is a small sample, but it sure isn't my thing.

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.

I'm a fan. Not sure about them live as I haven't seen them yet but they are on the list.

Well, everyone knows Springsteen is the best live act.
I haven't seen them live, but having seen groups like the Stones, Ween, ABB, DBT, Prince, X, Clapton, Patti Smith, Neil Young, Tom Waits, to name a few, all in the last 8 years, all of whom I would prefer to listen to than Muse, I'm thinking I need to go see Muse!

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.
I watched a bit of this same show, Bhawk. Completely agree with your sentiments.
P.S. For those not aware of Palladia, It's a great channel for music lovers...Check it out.

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.
I remember, maybe 6 years ago seeing an ad in a British music magazine that Muse were headlining Wembley Stadium. Couldn't believe my eyes! I was vaguely aware of the band but had no idea they were any bigger than theatre status......When I started to realise how old and out of touch I was getting, I guess. 🙁
Saw them a while later at Voodoo Fest and it was a great show, but amazed again, that they were headlining a festival in The U.S. Muse are all over radio here now, but , I've never been tempted to buy an album either.

Huge in Europe and other parts of the globe and as mentioned their stage show is rather spectacular. I have heard from some people whose opinions that I respect that they are as good live as anyone out there. Haven't dug in enough to judge.

They are all over the map when it comes to the musical style they play. I think they would be very interesting to watch.

Just watched (listened) to another one. Gotta admit, this is really hot stuff! Reminds me a lot of Queen.

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.
I remember, maybe 6 years ago seeing an ad in a British music magazine that Muse were headlining Wembley Stadium. Couldn't believe my eyes! I was vaguely aware of the band but had no idea they were any bigger than theatre status......When I started to realise how old and out of touch I was getting, I guess. 🙁
Saw them a while later at Voodoo Fest and it was a great show, but amazed again, that they were headlining a festival in The U.S. Muse are all over radio here now, but , I've never been tempted to buy an album either.
The same seems to be true for Stereophonics...whom I actually like. IN the UK and abroad they are playing big venues...over here they play the 9:30 Club.

My son has been a fan for years, and I was never a big fan of the studio albums.
I saw them four or five years ago when we went to Lollapalloza. They are a good live act. The guitar player, Matt Bellamy, is not a blues based buy, but does some interesting stuff.

That band is crap. Almost as bad as Radiohead.

That band is crap. Almost as bad as Radiohead.
It may not be your thing, but Radiohead live is astounding.

Not my thing and not impressive in the least bit.

Not my thing and not impressive in the least bit.
Ever been to a Radiohead show? I agree what you like is a matter of taste, and I thought they would be terrible. One of the best live acts I've ever seen, and I've been to more than a handfull.

Just fucking with you all. I don't ever plan to give any of my own $ to Radiohead but maybe I will get a free ticket someday.

Just fucking with you all. I don't ever plan to give any of my own $ to Radiohead but maybe I will get a free ticket someday.
I paid for a festival ticket with my son. If I had the chance, I'd pay for another show!

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.
I remember, maybe 6 years ago seeing an ad in a British music magazine that Muse were headlining Wembley Stadium. Couldn't believe my eyes! I was vaguely aware of the band but had no idea they were any bigger than theatre status......When I started to realise how old and out of touch I was getting, I guess. 🙁
Saw them a while later at Voodoo Fest and it was a great show, but amazed again, that they were headlining a festival in The U.S. Muse are all over radio here now, but , I've never been tempted to buy an album either.The same seems to be true for Stereophonics...whom I actually like. IN the UK and abroad they are playing big venues...over here they play the 9:30 Club.
Yeah, my partner is a big Stereophonics fan so I've seen them a couple of times. Good live act and as you say, arena headliners over here.
It's not just Brit bands tho' Take Black Stone Cherry, who personally I don't really rate....not seen them live I must admit. I noticed that while they are headlining a night over here at Rambling Man next year and also headlining an arena tour in February, B.S.C are way down the bill at Carolina Rebellion in May?

Pretty good as the modern rawk goes I guess.
Would not go to their show or buy a record but not terrible.
I'm sure their millions of fans are waiting for the erudite comments from a 63 year old jam slut.
"I love them but I need to hear from aiq first!"

Would not go to their show or buy a record but not terrible.
I agree with you. Not my thing either, but Knights of Cydonia was pretty good (see my youtube link earlier in this thread). Not gonna run out to see them or buy a CD though.

Was up one night watching Palladia or some such channel and watched their Live At Rome Olympic Stadium show. Straightforward stadium pop with some harder rock and other fairly interesting explorations.
They are pretty huge in Europe, and their stage and light shows are pretty spectacular. Didn't want to run out and buy all their material but I don't begrudge them either.
I remember, maybe 6 years ago seeing an ad in a British music magazine that Muse were headlining Wembley Stadium. Couldn't believe my eyes! I was vaguely aware of the band but had no idea they were any bigger than theatre status......When I started to realise how old and out of touch I was getting, I guess. 🙁
Saw them a while later at Voodoo Fest and it was a great show, but amazed again, that they were headlining a festival in The U.S. Muse are all over radio here now, but , I've never been tempted to buy an album either.The same seems to be true for Stereophonics...whom I actually like. IN the UK and abroad they are playing big venues...over here they play the 9:30 Club.
Coincidence that this mentions both Muse and Stereophonics, both of whom I saw as support acts (separate concerts) to Skunk Anansie - another great (IMHO) UK band that didn't do anything across the pond as far as I know.
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