Up until Muse came on stage I was slightly regretting this show and wishing I was in Toronto for Bushleague. This sounds week too, but along with many other huge bands I had never actually heard a Muse song till a few hours earlier when a friend and writer from Gasoline asked if I could come take some shots to go along with his review.

If you want a well written and musically critical review of the show, as well as the main colour photo set (these are the b+w alternate shots) see Gasolinemagazine.com and look for Jonathan Dekel’s review for Muse.

This was my first time at Arrow Hall. It’s out by the airport, far from anything anyone would otherwise want to travel to. I was lucky to get a ride from Toronto with Jon.

Then we found out that after shooting for the three songs I’d have to leave or go buy a $40 ticket to stay for the rest of the show. This rule is normal for mainstream shows (writer reviews show, photographer just shoots and leaves) but I had about $10 on me and aside form wanting to experience Muse, had no desire to wait out the show in a hallway waiting for my ride home. Then everything turned out great.

A rep from Live Nation (aka House of Blues) got me in after hearing that my ride back to Toronto was reviewing (and staying) for the show. This was totally nice and something she had no obligation to do, thanks for saving the night.

Muse’s set blew me away. Aside from a few slower songs in a row where things got a little tiresome for someone who didn’t know the songs too well, the music and (mind blowing) light show were intense. After going to %99 low key punk based shows, once in a while it’s fun to see an over the top light show and epic band presence.