Ranking my Muse Gigs

As the U.K leg of the Drones World Tour comes to a conclusion, the time would seem right to go over each of the Muse gigs I have attended to try and decide which one would come top of a list. This is something I have long mulled over in my own mind, and debated with fellow fans.

I have been lucky enough to have attended 9 Muse gigs, and rarely have they let me down. Epic stage shows, massive riffs and huge choruses are just some of the inevitably huge spectacle that Muse fans enjoy when seeing their band live.

It should be noted before going into this list, that obviously, these are my opinions. It will differ from your own, and no doubt some of you might question my ordering. This is purely for fun and debate, enjoy!

9. SSE Hydro (2016, Night 2) Drones World Tour

The final gig of the U.K leg of the Drones Tour, and it was a good gig. But that's all. Nothing amazing, but nothing bad either. It was however a tough choice to put this last on the list, it was still an excellent night. A lot of fun. Resistance, Feeling Good - it was definitely on the weaker set list side as far as rotations go. It looked like Madness and Undisclosed Desires would complete the very casual-centric set list until; no Madness! I couldn't believe it. Muse went straight from an epic Glasgow Jam (complete with bagpipes, Scottish dancers and Matt sprinting around with a Scottish flag like a mad man) into Map of the Problematique. Cue a very happy crowd. We even managed to miss Undisclosed Desires and get Take a Bow. Crowd was also very lively, but my view was slightly obscured by others at times. Overall it was the weaker of the three Drones gigs I attended (more to come on those). However, it was a nice wrap up to a pretty amazing week of Muse gigs.

High Points: No Madness or Undisclosed Desires, Glasgow Jam

Low Points: Bad views on occasion, Set could've been better slightly

8. Leeds Festival (2011), Origin of Symmetry in Full

Near the bottom of this list, perhaps surprisingly, the 2011 U.K festival run saw Muse play fan favourite album Origin of Symmetry in full for its 10th anniversary. Whilst the gig itself was also my first Muse gig, it is also one that I struggle to remember a lot of. The bits I do remember, whilst amazing, are damped by the biblically bad weather conditions experienced on the day. The set list itself was incredible; Origin in full is a spectacle in itself. New Born, Bliss, Hyper Music and THAT Space Dementia outro are just incredible. The performance was also good, but perhaps in my opinion not up to the highs of other gigs on this list. It will always be very special to Muse fans, Leeds was a pretty damn good night - a night Im would have probably appreciated more now than back then.

High Points: Space Dementia's outro is absolutely bombastic, Hyper Music, Bliss

Low Points: Weather

Darkshines

7. S.E.C.C (2012) The 2nd Law Tour

Another gig that, fundamentally, did not have a lot wrong with it - the Glasgow stop on the 2nd Law Tour was filled with a lot of highs, but enough lows to bring it down the list. Starting with why it is so low; the sound quality at the gig waivered in and out of being good and poor enough to leave the sound lacking in departments throughout the gig. On the flip side of this, I got Map of the Problematique for the first time in place of Hysteria, and a very rare playing of Ruled by Secrecy as well. The set was long, and the set list itself was very good. The light show was a very good spectacle, and being the 2nd time I'd seen the band, i was in awe of the lasers and pyramid that was used. 

High Points: Map, Ruled by Secrecy, Host snippet, Scottish Crowd

Low Points: Sound quality, Monty Jam

6. Etihad Stadium (2013) Unsustainable Tour

The end of my birthday week that was bookended with two massive Muse stadium gigs, the Etihad gig was one that i will remember for a long time. I got Bliss (again!) and the two songs I wanted more from this gig more than anything - United States of Eurasia and Dead Star. This gig completed a lot of hopes as a Muse fan for me, and the area of the crowd I was in was insanely bonkers. The decision to do two stadium gigs (this was the original one) was proved right given the set I had got earlier in the week (still to come on this list), and this completed that. The stage itself was incredible, and the band were on top form.

High Points: Dead Star, Eurasia, Stage, Crowd

Low Points: Resistance, B-Stage song choices

5. Barrowlands (2015) Psycho Tour

A great night, seeing Muse in such a small venue and being right down the front for Psycho was incredbile. This gig was also behind the etihad gig, but remembering it more and more forced me to put it into the top 5. A gig that had a lot of pontetial, that upon closer inspection was underwhelming as other dates on the Psycho Tour got setlists that had more fan favourites than Glasgow did, but at the time of the gig I simply did not care - Uno, Bliss, Hyper Music, Agitated. This made for a very fun gig and really thats all we can ask, it was possible the most personal and crowd invovling Muse gig I've been ivolved in. I had always wanted to hear Hyper Music again after Leeds, and I had been reisgned to the fact that the chances are I wouldn't. Uno and Bliss were the icing on the already diabetic-inducing cake, with Bliss always being a real coup to get and Uno sounding like Matt Bellamy himself had pulled it from the jaws of obscurity to play it. The Glasgow crowd was also electric; as you expect from the legendary Barrowlands venue. Bellamys pro-independece speech was also very rousing, even for a No-voter.

High Points: Uno, Bliss, Hyper Music, Crowd, Small venue was incredible. 

Low Points: Reflection on set list, occasional sound cut, Starlight

4. SSE Hydro (2016, Night 1) Drones World Tour

The Drones World Tour rolled into Scotland off the back of a good residency in London and expectations were high. Would we get some combination of the roations used in London, or as on the Psycho Tour would the Glasgow set be lacking? We were not dissaponted. Muse pulled out probably the best set of the tour so far - and it will probably stay that way. Map of the Problematique, Bliss, Citizen Erased, Stockholm Syndrome AND Take a Bow all in the same set. The only let down was, I was on by far the weaker side of the crowd - however this let me get even nearer the stage, and see it better than before. it is an incredible stage and a real sight to behold. The Hydro splitting the crowd into pre-determined sections was not good, as I wanted to be on the other side and even though we were allowed to record security kept stopping me - I was not pleased and it kinda soured the night a little. 

High Points: THAT SET, great view of the stage

Low Points: Bad crowd, wrong side of the stage, poor security guards.

3. Download Festival (2015)

The culmination of a days worth of travelling to Donington Park, for a festival where Muse initially faced a backlash at their credentials of being headliners. Muse knocked it out the park, rewinding the years and pulling out a plethora of rare and deep-cut tracks. The sheer abundance of fan favourites one after another in a run that included Psycho, The Handler, New Born, Hysteria, Micro Cuts, Dead Star, Agitated and Citizen Erased, made the already Muse fanatic heavy crowd lose their minds. The performance was great, and there was no sound issues. Bellamy even slipped duirng Psycho, and recovered well. All in all, a memeorable day, with an incredible set - one that I'm fairly sure I'll never better. 

High Points: Setlist

Low Points: Where was Assassin? 

2. Manchester Arena (2016, Night 1) Drones World Tour

A simply incredible gig. The 360 stage is an absolute marvel. The sound was incredible. Criticisms were aimed at the perhaps shortness of these sets, but when there you do not notice. I was overcome by an absolute thrill-ride of a set. I got Bliss (yet again!) and Map. Hysteria was at its tremor-inducing best, and i finally got a huge moment in my Muse-fan life. I got to cross Take a Bow off of my list. It's from my favouirte album, and I had always wanted to hear it. The fact I got Map, Bliss and Take a Bow, three songs I'd have been happy to get from all 3 of my Drones gigs attended meant I'd already achieved my aims for the tour and I was overwhelmed. The crowd was also on great form, despite rumours pre-gig to the contrary the Manchester crowd was one of the best and wildest I have ever been in. It took me a very long time to decide between this and my number one... and there wasn't much in it.

High Points: Map, Bliss, Take a Bow, Crowd, stage, Visuals

Low Points: Perhaps short, too much "down time"

1. Emirates Stadium (2013, Night 2) Unsustainable Tour

The single best Muse gig I have attended. Everything fell into place for this gig. A baking, scorching hot day in London, with my favourite band playing at my football teams stadium. It was a near last minute decision to attend this gig in the hope I got something special. Approaching the stadium hearing Hysteria and Map of the Problematique soundcheck was an insanely cool exerience. The weather lent itself to a very cheery and happy crowd who just wanted to have fun. Similarly to the Etihad, the stage was of course incredible, Seeing as this was the first gig of those two, this one had my heart rate cranked way higher from the moment Supremacy blasted it's James Bond-esque self into the London air, until Starlight closed the night for a very drained crowd. What tips this gig above the rest is the set. Map and Hysteria were huge, I also got to see Sunburn for the first (and so far only) time, great additions - however my decision to go was backed up by the playing of Butterflies & Hurricanes - the only U.K stadium to get it. Butteflies is HUGE, and to date this is the only gig I have heard it. I cannot under-sell just how incredible it is. 

High Points: Butterflies, Weather, Fun atmosphere

Low Points: None

Credit: Muse

The Future of F1

As fans, the Formula One community has some of the most die hard you will find anywhere. We all have opinions on our drivers and teams, from our favourites to the ones who simply rub us all the wrong way. Many of them will also never live up of what is expected of them. In a highly competitive paddock, this should come as no surprise.

As fans we are also all guilty of trying to predict the future, a task which by all accounts should be impossible. This however, does not stop us. We all see the potential in some of these world class drivers, and we will always try to predict how their career paths will go. This is where this article links in; in my eyes, the following drivers are the future of F1. Some already race for teams in the paddock and others will undoubtedly make their way there soon. It is also almost guaranteed that one or more of these drivers unfortunately wont have the success of the others. What we should all remember is that, these athletes are some of the most talented drivers in the world.

It should be noted that Daniel Ricciardo will not be included in this list. He is quite probably the future of F1, but as he has been in the paddock for a good period of time, and has 3 wins under his belt. It would be unfair to compare him to others on this list. Ricciardo will undoubtedly be world champion one day. Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg will also not be included for the same reason.


Stoffel Vandoorne

At time of writing this, Stoffel Vandoorne has just won the GP2 race in Bahrain. In my opinion, he is probably the most talented driver of the ones that are about to be mentioned in this article. The Belgian has been a star since the first time he sat in an open-wheeled car, winning his first GP2 race in 2014. A driver who is among the favourites for his championship, expect him to be in F1 sooner rather than later. Vandoorne exudes talent, and with his links to top teams in F1, expect him to go far. I predict he will win 1 championship. Perhaps no more. A similar career line to Kimi Raikkonen.

Max Verstappen 

At 17, Max Verstappen is the youngest ever driver to have graced the F1 grid. Last time out in China, he showcased his talent and proficiency at overtaking, and has shone so far in 2015, despite it being his rookie season. Incredible things have been expected and predicted of Max, especially from the heads at Red Bull, who have called him a "once in a generation driver". High praise indeed. I predict that he will indeed win a championship, probably more than one.

Carlos Sainz Jr

Sainz has had an excellent start to his rookie year in F1, and has not been outshone by teammate and future prodigy Max Verstappen. Sainz has impressed in the races he has been involved in, and is backed by Red Bull as is Verstappen. Sainz has pedigree, his father Carlos Sainz is a legendary rally champion. Spain in recent times have produced many great sportsman in most sports they compete in, Sainz is no different. However, with the competition in the field, I predict Sainz will be a race winner, and a great F1 veteran, but not a world champion. 

Alex Lynn

Britain's great young hope. Lynn currently races for DAMS in GP2, and is the development driver for Williams. In my opinion it is highly likely that he will replace Felipe Massa at Williams when Massa either moves on or retires. In my opinion, Lynn has more potential than the other Brit currently in the F1 spotlight, Jolyon Palmer. Palmer may have the better credentials so far, but Lynn has shown his talent and hunger. Lynn has also had past ties with Red Bull, further cementing the young Brit's high regard. As far as a future British world champion goes, you won't get more likely, at least in my opinion, than Alex Lynn.

Kevin Magnussen 

McLarens 3rd driver, and perhaps my wildcard on this list. Magnussen lost his seat at McLaren, despite an excllent 2014 season. However, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso do not have many years left, and Magnussen will probably spearhead the future of McLaren Honda. McLaren's future improvement will tell how far Magnussen will rise through the F1 paddock, but it could be predicted they will recover from their slump, and Magnussen may well be a race winner yet. 

Destined For Greatness

Seth Rollins. The future has arrived, and boy are we lucky to be living through it. Rollins has been on an incredible run since the decision was made to turn him heel, and split him from his former Shield brethren. Even before that, his high-flying spots were becoming a regular flash point of any 6-man tag The Shield were involved in.

Its surprising to think that back when rumours were surfacing of an incoming heel turn, that we were all assuming Dean Ambrose or even Roman Reigns would get the turn. Not Seth. Even more surprising; most people thought Seth would be the one lost in the shuffle after a Shield split, with Reigns getting a babyface push and Ambrose turning heel. It seems that the opposite happened. Sure, Reigns has had the babyface push, but Rollins gained the coveted spot as understudy to HHH in The Authority. Rollins grabbed the so called "brass ring", and has been simply amazing as a member of The Authority, and as a true heat magnet as a heel. He's been the most hated and WWE's most wanted for the best part of 8 or so months. However, Rollins golden moments have come, without doubt, during his feud with Dean Amborse.  A rivalry that was both personal, and entertaining; the likes of which WWE only has every few years (think HHH-HBK and Cena-Edge). The fans responded in kind, and the feud was probably the hottest of 2014.

Rollins laying Dean out with cinder-blocks is considered one of the best RAW moments of recent years (rightly or wrongly). The feud culminated with a Hell in a Cell match, which was another landmark moment as the duo headlined a PPV over WWE mainstays John Cena and Randy Orton. The future had arrived.

Moving on, and Seth was part of Team Authority that battled Team Cena at Survivor Series, and he would then battle Cena again in a Tables match at Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Stairs (why WWE? Stairs? Really?), and be involved in a hugely impressive triple threat match for the championship with Cena and Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Back to Survivor Series and Rollins was the sole remaining memeber of Team Auhtority before Sting made his WWE debut, ending The Authority's reign.

Ziggler and Rollins kept us happy over the holiday period

The final members of either team in that match were Rollins, and Dolph Ziggler (who after this match was the hottest guy on the roster for the next month). Rollins and Ziggler never faced each other on a PPV, but their rivalry through December and January provided us with great segments and even greater matches.

After this, Rollins got The Authority back into power after holding WWE Hall of Famer Edge basically hostage. A true moment of great heel work, and a RAW moment that will live in the memory for a long time.

Of course, 2015 has started well to say the least. Mr Money in the Bank is now the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion, cashing in during the Lesnar-Reigns title match at Wrestlemania (the first man to do so!). A popular decision to say the least, the future is now bright with such a young talent at the top. WWE has built themselves a star, and when the face turn eventually comes, Seth will take off in an even bigger way. It will be interesting to see how he fares down the line, especially with future feuds against current and future stars such as Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns and more. Maybe down the line we will also see feuds on a larger stage with HHH, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler.

Oh, and I cant wrap this up without dropping this little gem here for you all...

The Grandest Stage

This years Wrestlemania could go in a variety of directions, which is unusual for the WWE. It seems likely that either Roman Reigns or Daniel Bryan will walk out of the Royal Rumble as the number 1 contender, but there are a large variety of factors that could play out before the biggest stage of them all.

Firstly, it is rumoured that Brock Lesnar will leave for UFC, possibly as soon as the after the Rumble. If this is the case, WWE could choose to have Reigns win the Rumble, and Rollins win the title setting up a Shield triple threat or simply Reigns vs Rollins. This article will work on the assumption that Lesnar will be around to have one last match at 'Mania. Which in my opinion, means that the WWE will have Daniel Bryan win the Rumble, and face Lesnar.

We are also going to work on the assumption that The Undertaker will not make this years event (some rumours say he will face Bray Wyatt, others say he will work one last match against Sting, next year). Given all of this, I have tried to come up with a match card that will accommodate a lot of factors, as the upper card is jam packed with superstars who are vying for the same spots - Bryan, Cena, Rollins, Reigns, Ambrose, HHH, Sting, Ziggler and Wyatt. As well as Sheamus who is due back soon, and Randy Orton after his break filming his new movie.

Its going to be a big moment when Sting first wrestles for WWE

The card that I have come up with was incredibly hard to do, and undoubtedly there are some matches that wont happen... For example if Reigns does not win the Rumble, it was very hard to find a match to put him in. Dean Ambrose was another hard choice, if there is no Shield triple threat (as outlined before), Ambrose may miss out on a marquee match despite being incredibly over.

So, this card will work on the following assumptions:
1. Brock Lesnar is going to be around until Wrestlemania
2. The Undertaker will not be at Wrestlemania

The Card:

PRE SHOW:

Tag Team Titles: Cesaro/Kidd vs The Ascencion vs The Usos vs Gold & Stardust

Lumerjack Match: Bad News Barrett vs Rusev 
Just to get people onto the card in some fashion, and the match could be good. Was not sure what to do with either, as there is no room on the card.

MAIN SHOW (IN ORDER):

Dolph Ziggler vs Bray Wyatt

Im starting off with my favourite superstar, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler has had a huge end to 2014 and start to 2015. After Survivor Series he has been on an insane roll, and there has been suggestions that he could be a surprise Royal Rumble winner. As much as I (and a lot of others!) would love that, realistically it wont happen. It could also be suggested that Ziggler could have faced HHH had Sting not been around (a hint for later!) as Ziggler has been at the forefront of the fight against The Authortiy. 

Bray Wyatt is still mesmerising 

Bray Wyatt meanwhile has been meandering around a little bit. His feud with Dean Ambrose was a good feud with great moments and matches, but he may find himself with little to do again at Wrestlemania (especially assuming there is no Undertaker).

This match is fresh and it could also be the best match on the card. Similar to Bryan-Wyatt at 2014's Royal Rumble, these two should have a great deal of in-ring chemistry and be able to tear the house down if given the time. A possible storyline could be Bray using how Ziggler has been kept down to tempt him over to a "dark side", simimlar to his feuds with Cena and Bryan. He could also use Zigglers' recent "fired" sotryline and the fact that The Authority is back in power depsite Zigglers' best efforrs. It would make a great opener.

Star prediction - ****

Winner predition - Dolph Ziggler

The Miz vs Damien Sandow/Mizdow

This match is an uncertain one, due to a few factors. Will The Miz and Mizdow have split by then or perhaps the split could come at Wrestlemania itself. Either way this match is heading our way soon, especially with how over Mizdow has gotten himself. He has turned a rotten gimmick into gold.

Star prediction - **

Winner  - Mizdow

Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton

What a year Seth Rollins has had

A match that has probably been penciled in by the WWE, Seth Rollins vs Randy Orton has been on the cards for a while after Ortons' falling out with The Authority (who kayfabe took Orton out) and strong disliking toward Rollins. Orton is due back well before 'Mania (perhaps to stop Rollins cashing in at the Rumble?) and the past story has been set for this match as previously mentioned. Rollins has had an incredible breakthrough year, and a match with Randy Orton on the biggest stage of them all would go a long way to cementing his place at the top of WWE. The match has also been called for by many fans, and would likely be as good as the aforementioned Ziggler-Wyatt match, if not better. 

Star prediction - ****

Winner  - Randy Orton

Ortons RKO outta nowhere to Rollins

Big Show & Luke Harper  vs Ryback & Erick Rowan

Your standard filler, "get these guys on the card", tag match.

Star prediction - *1/2

Winners - Ryback & Erick Rowan

Dean Ambrose vs Sheamus - No Holds Barred 

The Lunatic Fringe

Im going to be totally honest here and say i dont not know what to do with these two, so i put them together in what would be a good filler feud (and a good match) for both before they move on to (hopefully for Ambrose) better things. Sheamus has been rumoured to return as a heel, so it would fit the heel-face dymanic, as well as being an entertaining, full out brawl in the middle of the card.

Star prediction - ***

Winner - Dean Ambrose

Fella

John Cena vs Roman Reigns

  A passing of the torch esque match, if not quite that. I couldn't figure out what to do with Reigns, and a match with Cena could make sense (although the story could be a cliche). This keeps Reigns from a main event which he may not be ready for, whilst keeping him well and truly in the upper card. It is also a big enough match for John Cena.

Star Prediction - ***

Winner - Roman Reigns

NXT Showcase: Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn

As the title says, a match showcasing the extraordinary talent NXT has to offer. The WWE are investing more and more in NXT everyday, and its interest and populairty are rising. What better way then to showcase NXT, than to have its champion compete in what would be a great match on the biggest stage of them all?

Star Prediction - ****

Winner - Sami Zayn

Sting vs HHH

The match that is the most likely to actually happen of all these listed. HHH vs Sting has been on the cards since Sting interfered in the Survivor Series main event, costing HHH and The Auhtority their power. The Auhtority has since regained power thanks to Seth Rollins, and HHH has verbally insulted Sting weekly. Look out for a Sting appearence soon to build up for this match of two all time greats.

Star Prediction - *** (it will be a spectacle more than a good match)

Winner - Sting

Sting in the WWE, Finally

Divas Title: Paige vs Nattie

The story writes itself, Paige and Nattie have been forming/teasing some kind of an alliance, and they will ineviatbly turn on each other. 

Winner - Paige

WWE Title: Daniel Bryan vs Brock Lesnar

David vs Goliath, a true underdog match. Also, this could possibly be the best Wrestlemania main event that was for the title for quite some time. Both Lesnar and Bryan are incredible in ring, and Paul Heyman can help sell this matchup on the mic. 

Star Prediction - ****1/2

Winner - Daniel Bryan


However, after the match, Lesnar should flip, and destroy Daniel Bryan. This would Bring out Seth Rollins to cash in his money in the bank contract, to become the new champion.

Cash In - Seth Rollins vs Daniel Bryan

Seth capitalises on a downed Bryan to win his first Undisputed title. 

So, this was the card for Wrestlemania, as I'd book it. A 10 match card, with some people missing out (Rusev, for example) on the main card. Some great matches, legendary matches and moments that could go down in history. Seth Rollins leaves as Champion.

After 'Mania, there are possibilities for feuds arising out of this card:
1. Rollins-Bryan for the title, with Orton in the mix too after beating Rollins
2. Cena and Reigns do another PPV, after which Reigns can feud with Rollins for the title

I hope if you read this far you enjoyed my opinion on what WWE should do for Wrestlemania!

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rusty_JDM

By Jamie Mitchell

The 15 Best Live Bands I've Seen

Ranking your live experiences can be a hard task. Do you put musical talent over pure live experience and adrenaline filled fun? Or do you become biased towards your favourite bands? 




The following countdown of the 15 best live bands/artists I have seen, as of mid-March 2014, judges it on all factors, not just musical talent. I have seen over 45 bands in total and a list of bands who were close and missed out/big names that didn't make the cut include: Dizzee Rascal, My Chemical Romance, You Me At Six, Bastille, Editors, All Time Low, Pulp and Two Door Cinema Club

The List

15. Stereophonics

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)

One of Britains biggest bands, the welsh rockers disappointed when I saw them at T in the Park 2013 and its perhaps a good sign that despite the poor performance they still had the crowd singing along and their hits had some impact. Lead singer Kelly Jones whiskey-like vocal were still a treat to hear, one of the best voices in British music no doubt. 

14. Kaiser Chiefs

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

Kaiser Chiefs are an interesting band. They had previously been at the top of the bill at many festivals, but have since fallen down the line up, that does not mean however that they don't know how to put on a show. This gig is perhaps the one I have had the most outright fun at; from the insane Kaiser Chief fan behind me at the front of the crowd, or the sheer joy from the T in the Park audience as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds, the performance and atmosphere was amazing.  

13. Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds

Number of times seen: 1 ( Edinburgh Castle, 2012)

A set packed with Oasis hits along with his new material, the High Flying Birds gig at Edinburgh Castle was epic. Huge singalongs, a great atmosphere and a brilliant performance from the superior Gallagher brother set the stage for a truly memorable night. 

12. Queen + Paul Rodgers 

Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2008)

This was my first gig, and yes, I am that lucky. No Freddie Mercury doesn't necessarily mean no show; this was huge. Hit packed with the performance of a band of Queens stature to boot, it was simply - amazing. 

11. The Black Keys

Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2012)

The fabulous American band played a tour of unusually large venues for them in 2012, whilst the crowd were generally awful, the band put on a good show, and the hits eventually got the audience in the mood. The likes of "Gold on the Ceiling" and "Lonely Boy" among the best moments. 

10. Foo Fighters 
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)

Foo Fighters headlined T in the Park 2011, and boy was it a good show. Dave Grohl and the rest pulled out a massive set to the delight of the T faithful on the Sunday night, leaving us all that much more in awe of the band than we were already.

9. Weezer
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)

In 2011, T in the Park was home to the unparalleled charisma of Rivers Cuomo and Weezer. Just after a hail storm (in July, just wow.) Weezer cheered T up with songs such as "Beverly Hills", "Buddy Holly" and even covering Radiohead along the way. Donning a T in the Park poncho rain coat like a cape, he engaged with the crowd like nothing I'd seen previously. Memorable doesn't do it justice. 

8. The 1975

Number of times seen: 3 (Emirates Stadium & T in the Park 2013, O2 Newcastle, 2014)

The new boys on the British music scene, the utterly incredible and incomparable 1975 have had a debut year to remember. They supported Muse on their stadium tour and embarked upon a large tour themselves which sold out in minutes. Tickets were like gold-dust, I know this first hand as I paid £50 for mine! Lead vocalist Matt Healy has a voice that is as fresh and emotionally charged as anything out there, and their live shows are awesome.

7. Elbow

Number of times seen: 1 (Leeds Festival, Main Stage 2011)

The ever reliable Elbow put on a great performance at a rain soaked Leeds festival in 2011. Taking the stage before Muse, Elbow proved the best warm-up for a band I have seen, as the sun set in Leeds the anticipation for Muse was wonderfully built by Guy Garvey and co, as they brought out all their live prowess to the delight of a rapturous Leeds crowd. We were muddy, soaked and drained... but we simply didn't care!

6. 30 Seconds to Mars
Number of times seen: 2 (Metro Radio Arena 2010, The Hydro 2013)

Whatever you think of Jared Leto & co, they know how to delight a crowd. They also have the type of songs that a band needs to get a crowd going. The first time I saw them, the gig in hindsight was poor. The second time, a different story. 30 Seconds nailed it at The Hydro in 2013, rarely do I lose my voice after gigs, I did that night. 

5. Florence + The Machine
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

The haunting vocals of Florence Welch left a mark on me after seeing her at T 2012. I was about 3 meters from the front that day, and her voice was just amazing. There is nothing like her around. I was blown away. She brought her A game that night, and what a night it was. I even saw members in the audience cry tears of joy. That's how good she was. 

4. Snow Patrol

Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)

Before seeing Snow Patrol, I knew I'd have fun and it would be good.. I just never realised how good. There were moans when the announcement was made that Snow Patrol would headline one day at T, they weren't moaning after it. Snow Patrol killed it on the Friday night. Few things in live music touch the moment when the crowd echoes back the lyrics to "Run", truly an amazing moment. 

3. Arctic Monkeys
Number of times seen: 1 (Metro Radio Arena, 2013)

On the back of an epic and buzz-creating Glastonbury performance, I bought myself tickets for the upcoming Arctic Monkeys tour. It was worth it. Despite Alex Turners self-obsessed American wannabe drivel, Arctic Monkeys gave a performance for the ages. It converted me into the fan of them I am today, and I cannot wait to see them again. One of the best bands of their generation. 

2. The Killers
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)

A special, special night. The atmosphere on that main stage on Sunday at T 2013 was incredible. The Killers have a particularly special relationship with the T in the Park crowd, and that showed. A huge set comprising of hits and material from their latest album, the crowd ate it all up. The atmosphere has placed this gig so far up the list, nothing has touched it for me. A truly special night, capped off my the energy and delight of Brandon Flowers, as he declared Scotland the bands second home. 

1. Muse
Number of times seen: 4 (Leeds festival 2011, SECC 2012, Emirates and Etihad Stadiums 2013)

Britain's grandest band, Muse are generally thought of as the best live band around. That title may be under dispute, but what cant be disputed is their place at number 1 on this list. They have a huge back catalogue of hits and songs that will be remembered for years, they can provide a live show that will leave you standing in awe, and in Matt Bellamy they have a vocalist that will leave you standing and wondering how such a man can do those things. At times, Muse can be accused of going too over the top. But generally, they are just the one of the biggest bands in the world, playing massive and epic shows to loving and adoring audiences all oiver the world. How many bands can do a stadium tour and fill as many stadiums as Muse do? You could count it on one hand.