Cage the Elephant 
These guys are great musicians and entertainers, this was my first time seeing them on such a large stage and I was so excited to hear they were going to be opening for Muse. Once they came out they were full of energy, but the one who really caught my eye was lead vocalist, Matthew Shiltz. He ran all over the stage and spent a good portion of their set crowd surfing while singing. This is a band the crowd can really feel connected to, let loose have a good time and sing along. I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph their acoustic set the next day in Baltimore, once again they impressed me, while it was a low key show for radio winners these guys were able to their personality shine though.
Muse
This was my first time seeing Muse and they blew away every exception I had coming in. Their stage was set with large monitors that made up a pyramid, the lights went dim and a video montage started. Once the montage finished the pyramid slowly raised and Muse was underneath ready to jump into their set. Once they had jumped into their set the pyramid inverted and acted as a jumbotron above the stage. I am usually skeptical of 3 piece bands, I have always said they stand at a disadvantage because usually only one member of the band is mobile and it is hard to be entertainers from behind a mic stand. Muse was able to make me forget that obstacle, they worked together so well and moved so fluently around the stage, they were able to make the whole crowd feel involved. Lead guitarist / vocalist Matthew Bellamy and Bassist, Christopher Wolstenholme took turns coming out to landing at the top of the stage and to either side of the stage. It was by far one of the best concerts I have been to in a while, I am already looking forward to their next show!
Cage the Elephant
(including acoustic set in Baltimore)
Muse
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