By the time Muse took the stage to close out Reading Festival in 2017, they were seasoned veterans of the headlining slot, and it showed. This performance was a masterclass in stadium rock spectacle, delivered with the energy and precision that has defined the trio from Devon. From the opening notes of "Dig Down," the band commanded the massive audience with a career-spanning setlist that blended fan favorites with powerful newer material.
The show was a full-scale sensory assault, featuring a dazzling production of lasers, streamers, and pyrotechnics that lit up the night sky. Matt Bellamy, an ever-captivating frontman, led the charge through anthems like "Plug In Baby," "Supermassive Black Hole," and the epic "Knights of Cydonia." The set was packed with intricate riffs and soaring vocals, reminding everyone why Muse is considered one of the best live acts in the world.
A standout moment of the festival came during the encore when the band brought out a surprise guest: AC/DC's legendary singer, Brian Johnson. Together, they launched into a thunderous cover of "Back in Black," creating a truly unforgettable moment of rock and roll history for the ecstatic Reading crowd. It was a powerful highlight in a concert that perfectly encapsulated Muse's enduring legacy of ambitious, high-octane performances.