UWM Post fringe

Muse w/ Silversun Pickups @ United Center, Chicago, IL 03-12-10

When this show was announced back in December, the idea of attending was something I seriously contemplated, but at the time I was seriously strapped for cash. Christmas was steadily approaching, and gifts were the priority; concert tickets would have to take a back seat. As the months and weeks drew near, the more I regretted my decision.

I had never been a Muse devotee, but I was definitely keen to their bigger songs (“Starlight,” “Knights of Cydonia, etc.), and with each new listen, I was growing fond of The Resistance. Silversun Pickups on the other hand, have had me since day one. Admittedly, I was originally drawn in by the Smashing Pumpkins similarities, but since the release of Swoon (with its rich textures and great depths), there hasn’t been a doubt in my mind that this band is on the path to greatness.

Muse and Silversun Pickups at the United Center; it’s an insanely good double bill, and of course it had no problem selling out in a matter of weeks. Luckily for me, I had entered a facebook contest through the United Center and was declared the winner of two tickets. In full disclosure, I must admit that these were probably the best seats I have had at a show of this magnitude.

Silversun Pickups delivered, just as I suspected they would. Despite having already seen them twice in the past year (touring on the same material), their set remained captivating throughout; watching them perform to a sold out room of 23,000 people certainly didn’t hurt the level of interest either.

“Panic Switch”

“The Royal We”

Muse absolutely, 100 percent, blew my mind at this show. Not only did they pull out one of the most animated live stage shows I have ever seen, but they had the musical chops to back it up. I have no problem admitting I arrived late to the party with this band, but rest assured, I won’t be missing them the next time they come around stateside.

Into>”The Uprising”

“Supermassive Black Hole”

“Starlight”

-Jacob Schneider