The word “iconic” may get thrown around lightly, but it absolutely applies to the rock acts that performed at night two of the iHeartRadio Music Festival.
Muse and Smashing Pumpkins, those acts, represented legitimately powerful draws going into the show. They instantly elevated the lineup, leaving absolutely no doubt that this was more than a mere mainstream radio concert. It was a true attraction for fans who love quality music – and love seeing high-energy iterations of it in a live setting.
But more exciting than what they represented for the lineup was what they brought to the show.
Muse was simply a force of nature, with the band powering through a mix of classics like “Hysteria,” “Starlight,” and “Supermassive Black Hole” as well as standout new tracks “Cryogen” and “Nightshift Superstar.” While the setlist may have skewed slightly toward the pop side of Muse’s discography, nothing about the performance felt the least bit neutered or restrained. This was a band that rocked, fusing expert instrumentals with Matt Bellamy’s soaring vocals and superstar charisma.
For as popular as Muse is, and for as complementary as an act like Smashing Pumpkins is, the reality is this was not a pure rock crowd. Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, pop act Benson Boone, and the general iHeartRadio brand all brought distinct groups of fans to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
But the key Muse moments all resonated, because the band simply left fans with no other choice. It was impossible not to feel the pure, unadulterated rock in each note of this memorable performance.
Admittedly, diehard Muse fans may not rank this anywhere near the top of an all-time Muse setlist. In a multi-genre, multi-act arena concert context, however, one would be hard-pressed to do anything but celebrate what they got to witness.
Smashing Pumpkins did not perform with the same relentless energy, but their set was every bit as immersive. Setlist features like “1979,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” and “Today” are about as iconic as modern rock gets, and the combination of the familiar riffs, intoxicating soundscape, and Billy Corgan’s genre-defining voice made the opportunity feel special.
For longtime music fans, it was a chance to see stellar songs in an incredibly fun setting. For true Smashing Pumpkins fans, it was a reminder of why they’ve pledged their loyalty to this special band. For newcomers, it was a primer on everything rock can and should be.
But just as Muse and Smashing Pumpkins served as strong rock ambassadors for the balance of those in attendance, their fans got to see stellar examples of other genres. Country star Lainey Wilson was easily one of the weekend’s best pure singers, and her undeniable charm only made her collection of country hits harder. Acts like Ciara and LE SSERAFIM embodied excellence with their choreograph-heavy performances, while Snoop Dogg (and guest Wiz Khalifa) closed the festival with unrivaled charisma.
Night two of the Las Vegas-set festival took place on September 19; the opening night featured BTS, Goo Goo Dolls, Cardi B, and Zara Larsson on its bill.
Photos follow, courtesy of iHeartRadio:
