Muse's Chicago stop on The Wow Signal U.S. Tour proved why they remain one of the best live acts in the world.

Muse kicked off their The Wow Signal U.S. Tour in support of their 10th studio album, The Wow Signal, released just weeks before the tour began.

Once the lineup was announced, it was clear this would be one of the best ways to kick off the summer concert season. With artists like The Temper Trap and Bloc Party joining the Chicago date, and Portugal. The Man taking over for the second leg of the tour, each stop offered fans something unique while perfectly complementing Muse's arena-rock spectacle.

The night kicked off with The Temper Trap hitting the stage first and setting the tone for what was ahead. It was my first time seeing them live and really hearing their music, and I can definitely say I was impressed. Formed in Melbourne, Australia, the band blends indie rock with atmospheric guitars, uplifting melodies, and the instantly recognizable falsetto of vocalist Dougy Mandagi. Their sound felt both energetic and emotional, making them a perfect way to ease the crowd into the night.

Bloc Party was up next, and this was the set I had been looking forward to the most. I was first introduced to the band through Guitar Hero, where their song "Helicopter" quickly became one of my favorites. Hearing that song live years later felt like a full-circle moment.

What impressed me most was how closely they sounded to their studio recordings. Every guitar riff, bass line, and vocal came through with incredible clarity, making it hard to believe they were performing live. There were several moments where I stopped taking photos just to take it all in. Their music carried an energy that was impossible to ignore, and the crowd responded to every song.

Even though it was my first time seeing Bloc Party live, their performance felt strangely familiar, almost like revisiting a part of my childhood I hadn't thought about in years. I found myself standing near the back of the venue for part of the set, watching thousands of fans sing along while the stage lights flashed across the crowd. It was one of those performances where you forget about everything else for a few minutes and simply enjoy the music.

When it was finally time for Muse to take the stage, I won't lie, I was nervous. While talking with a few fans before the lights went down, all I could think was, Is this really happening? Muse has been one of my favorite bands for years, so getting the opportunity to photograph them felt surreal.

The band was touring in support of their 10th studio album, The Wow Signal, a record that immediately connected with me from the very first listen. Going into the night, I already knew we were in for something special. Muse has built a reputation for putting on some of the best live shows in rock, and I couldn't believe I was about to witness it from the photo pit.

One thing that has always stood out about Muse is their production. Every tour feels like an extension of the album it's supporting, and The Wow Signal was no exception. Leaning fully into its space theme, the stage felt alive with massive visuals, incredible lighting, and effects that made the entire performance feel larger than life.

Muse brought plenty of fan favorites throughout the night, kicking off the set with "Hysteria" before eventually closing with "Take a Bow." The setlist showcased just how expansive their catalog has become over the years. It's hard to place Muse into a single genre because they refuse to stay in one. They can move effortlessly from radio-friendly anthems to crushing rock riffs and then strip everything back with an emotional piano ballad.

That versatility is what makes a Muse concert so special. No matter the style of the song, every performance feels intentional. They have a way of delivering the emotion behind each track exactly as they envisioned it, and with the visuals, lighting, and stage production working alongside the music, every song became a complete experience rather than just another performance.

Muse has never lost their touch. Ten albums into their career, they continue to reinvent their sound while proving exactly why they've remained one of the most respected live bands in the world. Every album brings something new, yet they never lose the identity that makes Muse, Muse.

I told myself years ago that I'd never miss a Muse show in the U.S. as long as I had the chance to be there, and after this performance, I don't see that changing anytime soon. Getting to experience the show was already special, but having the opportunity to cover it as a photographer made the night even more meaningful. It's a memory I'll carry with me for a very long time.