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›Muse at The Royal Albert Hall Saturday 12th April 2008 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust
Am I royalty? No. Am I special? I feel like it.
Upon arriving at this special venue this evening, I was treated to a free programme, I didn't get my usual search by odd pervy security men, the Champagne bars weren't too full (probably due to prices) and the merchandise stall; if a little hidden; was at a great cost and all proceeds go to the Teenage Cancer Trust. No extra fee for paying by Credit Card either; not quite sure if I am actually going to a gig anymore. It is far too peaceful.
A man "in the sky" nicely announces that the show is about start. I take my seat for the support act; The Futureheads. I am not a fan of these, I dont mind hearing their released songs on the radio, it doesn't make my ears bleed but they are in fact very good live. Not much happening by the way of crowd movement and I'm glad I bought my hip flask full of brandy, as we are not allowed drinks in the main area, must behave myself though in case one of these 'posh folks' give me a shooing.
Off for a half hour break now. I cannot believe how quiet it is here. There are no rockers; people are dressed in their fancy frocks and suits. There are no drunk people asleep in the corridor and the bar staff want tips for being so ruddy nice! I spend this time reflecting the type of people walking passed me...including a few VIP's.....
Wait a minute, must take my seat, but what the hell!? There is a blond man in a black coat, smelling lovely and holding onto his very sweet wife. I recognise that man, it's the one and only Roger Taylor; sat right next to me (yes, I do have photo's for proof thank you). Can this gig get any better!? I'm in awe right now, must stay calm and not whip Roger in the face with my long hair whilst hair banging and going a bit crazy on my brandy. I tie my hair back, just to be sure. I feel even more special.
A short film shows up on the large screens at the back of the stage. We are reminded why we are here. There are plenty of tears, applauses and smiles for the brave teenagers who have lost their hair and survived hard bouts of radio therapy. Two of the surviving teenagers come on stage, with Roger Daultry; The savour and charity organiser of this event. What a smashing guy, he is looking extremely well and most definitely has been keeping fit. Not bad. Roger announces Muse onto the stage...it gets slightly mental for a moment......
I was warned that the sound wouldn't be too great at this venue. I'm not quite sure if it's the seat I am in, or they have come up with a new way to portray sound in a circular venue. It sound great, not too much bass, not too loud and the light show is fantastic; not as many pyrotechnics as I was expecting, but then again the stage isnt as big as I thought either. The expected 'echo' of the circular venue, doesn't occur.
Matthew Bellamy appears at the top of the venue, sat at a big church organ (you know; those organs you find at Blackpool; is it a 'pipe organ'?); huge big balloons fall from the sky and one even manages to land on stage and nearly knocks Christopher Tony flying, like a scene from "You've been framed" when some poor unexpecting kid gets smacked in the face by a beach ball. Most amusing, but shouldn't laugh. As each balloon pops during the serenade of "Bliss", we are covered with lovely confetti to make us look pretty.
Muse play what I consider to be, maybe; a usual set that is played at festivals. We are treated to mega delights such as "Invincible", "Feeling Good", "Hysteria" and "Supermassive Black Hole". I am looking around at the fans and am surprised to see that are actually people here that dont listen to Muse at all, singing along is rare. I watched a 70 year old man walk off holding his ears and there were a few empty seats. I remind myself that there are people here to support the charity more than they are here to see Muse.
Matthew is his usual "man on speed" self, throwing himself around the stage, crawling on the floor, and squealing his self made chaos pad on his specially made guitar. At one point I thought he had hurt himself, but no he just likes crawling up into a foetus ball and playing his guitar behind his head. The show off. Dominic Howard on drums makes everything look easier than a cheap hussy you can pick up down the road, and as a drummer myself I am lost for words at the pure genius at work. I'd better keep quiet, I dont want to upset Roger Taylor! Dont worry though Roger, he still isnt as good as you.
'Time is running out'. No; quite literally! It's nearly over, surely they will play.......yep "Knights of Cydonia" ends our evening with a bang. I have just noticed the keyboard player "Morgan Nicholls" all of a sudden; finally he appears from behind his percussion desk. Welcome, I dont think I have seen you before!
Well, hic! (Damn, out of brandy) what a ruddy great day I've had! I have laughed, cried, got excited, mourned and jumped around like a banshee on heat; you dont have many days like this in your life, so I'd better give it a 9/10. I can't give a full ten, as the choice of the set list could have been a little more adventurous and maybe hearing a new song, would have been even more special indeed! God, I am never happy!
A new released DVD for the Teenage Cancer Trust is now available to buy. The DVD contains all previous special shows, including 'Judas Priest', 'The Cure' and 'The Who'. Please show you support and visit https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/, all proceeds go straight into the TCT pot of money and you can also make a donation. Let's hope the next DVD will contain Muse and/or ME!
Natasha
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