Muse rock celebs-studded pre-Brits concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire for War Child

Muse formed back in the mid-90s as an alternative rock band from Devon, releasing their debut album Showbiz in 1999. Fast forward 14 years and they are playing the pre-Brits charity concert in a sold-out 3,000-capacity venue – just an intimate setting for their size – in front of VIPs such as Hollywood actress Kate Hudson (Matthew Bellamy’s partner), supermodel Cara Delevingne, singers Rita Ora and Harry Styles.

Indie rock act The Vaccines opened the night with a tight set including hits Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra), Post Break-up Sex and the punkish Nørgaard.

Muse began with latest single Supremacy and Supermassive Black Hole: both based on two strong bass loops, the songs caused an instant pogo dance from the front rows.

Bellamy’s voice impresses with extremely difficult variations of low and high notes as he launches himself into prog guitar solos. Fans could not believe they played Dead Star: it’s happened just a few times in over ten years.

Highlights of the set included the intense Madness and 2003 hit Time Is Running Out – which made the VIP audience from the balconies stand up and sing along with the band and rest of the crowd.

London Olympic games anthem Survival was the grand finale of this special night of music for War Child.

Filippo L’Astorina, the editor