Concert Review: Muse at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ

On July 22, 2026, Muse performed at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, as the tenth stop on The Wow! Signal Tour. Bloc Party and The Temper Trap opened the evening. The Wow! Signal, Muse's tenth studio album, stays true to many of the band's signature sounds and themes while introducing new material. The album's title references the famous "Wow!" signal, a mysterious 72-second radio signal detected on August 15, 1977.

The band opened with the short and atmospheric "Interlude," which seamlessly transitioned into "Hysteria," a fan favorite driven by Chris Wolstenholme's iconic bass riff. They followed with "Cryogen," one of the new album's standout tracks. Its guitar work reminded me of their 2001 classic "Plug In Baby," which the band also performed later in the set.

Every Muse concert I've attended has been both sonically and visually captivating, and this performance was no exception. The show featured dramatic lighting, pyrotechnics, and bursts of confetti that complemented the band's larger-than-life sound. The setlist balanced heavier, space rock–influenced songs with more emotional moments, including "Madness." As always, Muse's lyrics explored themes of technology, dystopia, oppression, and revolution, reinforcing the band's identity while showcasing material from their latest album.