**Black Holes and Revelations Tour**
**Definition**
The Black Holes and Revelations Tour was a concert tour by the British rock band Muse, supporting their fourth studio album, *Black Holes and Revelations* (2006). The tour spanned from 2006 to 2008, featuring extensive performances across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, and was noted for its elaborate stage design and energetic live shows.
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# Black Holes and Revelations Tour
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* was a global concert tour undertaken by Muse in support of their critically acclaimed fourth studio album, *Black Holes and Revelations*, released in 2006. The tour marked a significant period in the band’s career, showcasing their evolution in musical style and live performance. It featured a wide array of venues, from intimate theaters to large-scale festivals and arenas, and was distinguished by its innovative stage production, visual effects, and the band’s dynamic stage presence.
## Background
Following the release of *Black Holes and Revelations* in June 2006, Muse embarked on a tour to promote the album, which had received widespread critical and commercial success. The album itself marked a stylistic shift for the band, incorporating elements of progressive rock, electronic music, and alternative rock, and it produced several hit singles such as „Supermassive Black Hole,” „Starlight,” and „Knights of Cydonia.”
The tour was designed to reflect the album’s ambitious sound and thematic content, which often explored political and social issues, space and science fiction motifs, and personal introspection. Muse’s reputation for theatrical and immersive live performances was further enhanced during this tour, as they integrated complex lighting, video projections, and stage props to create a compelling concert experience.
## Tour Overview
### Dates and Locations
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* commenced in the summer of 2006 and continued intermittently until late 2008. The tour covered multiple continents, including:
– Europe: Extensive dates across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries.
– North America: Multiple shows in the United States and Canada, including major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
– Asia: Performances in Japan, South Korea, and other Asian markets.
– Oceania: Concerts in Australia and New Zealand.
The tour included appearances at prominent music festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Rock am Ring, as well as headline shows in large arenas and stadiums.
### Setlist and Musical Style
The setlist for the tour primarily featured tracks from *Black Holes and Revelations*, supplemented by popular songs from Muse’s previous albums, including *Origin of Symmetry* (2001) and *Absolution* (2003). The band’s live arrangements often expanded upon the studio recordings, incorporating extended instrumental sections, improvisations, and enhanced electronic elements.
Key songs regularly performed included:
– „Supermassive Black Hole”
– „Starlight”
– „Knights of Cydonia”
– „Map of the Problematique”
– „Hysteria”
– „Plug In Baby”
The tour highlighted Muse’s ability to blend heavy rock riffs with synthesizers and orchestral textures, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape.
## Stage Design and Production
One of the defining features of the *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* was its elaborate stage design and production values. The band collaborated with visual artists and lighting designers to create a futuristic and immersive environment that complemented the album’s themes.
### Visual Effects
The stage incorporated large LED screens and projection mapping, displaying abstract visuals, cosmic imagery, and thematic animations synchronized with the music. These visuals enhanced the storytelling aspect of the performances and engaged audiences on a sensory level.
### Lighting and Pyrotechnics
Advanced lighting rigs were employed to produce dramatic effects, including strobe lights, lasers, and color washes that shifted in intensity and mood throughout the set. Pyrotechnic elements, such as flame bursts and fireworks, were used during climactic moments, particularly in songs like „Knights of Cydonia.”
### Stage Props and Layout
The stage setup often featured futuristic and sci-fi-inspired props, including geometric shapes and structures that evoked the album’s space and technology motifs. The band members utilized the stage space dynamically, with lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Bellamy frequently moving across the stage to interact with the audience.
## Critical Reception
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* received positive reviews from music critics and fans alike. Reviewers praised Muse’s musicianship, Bellamy’s vocal performance, and the band’s ability to translate the complex studio album into a compelling live experience. The tour was noted for its high energy, technical proficiency, and innovative use of multimedia elements.
Several performances were highlighted as career milestones for the band, including their headline set at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival, which was lauded for its intensity and spectacle.
## Commercial Performance
The tour was commercially successful, with many shows selling out in advance. It helped solidify Muse’s status as one of the leading live rock acts of the 2000s. The band’s growing international fanbase was reflected in the tour’s extensive geographic reach and the scale of the venues.
## Legacy
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* is often regarded as a pivotal moment in Muse’s live performance history. It demonstrated the band’s capacity to innovate in concert production and to engage large audiences with a blend of musical complexity and theatricality. The tour set a precedent for subsequent Muse tours, which continued to push the boundaries of live rock performances.
The tour also contributed to the enduring popularity of *Black Holes and Revelations* as an album, reinforcing its themes and songs through memorable live renditions.
## Notable Performances
### Glastonbury Festival 2007
Muse’s headline performance at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival is frequently cited as one of the tour’s highlights. The band delivered a powerful set that combined their new material with fan favorites, supported by impressive visual effects and a large, enthusiastic crowd.
### Reading and Leeds Festivals 2006
The band’s appearances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals marked their first major UK festival performances following the album’s release. These shows helped to elevate their profile in the UK rock scene and showcased their ability to command large festival audiences.
### North American Leg
The North American leg of the tour included sold-out shows in major cities and appearances at prominent venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York City. These performances were critical in expanding Muse’s presence in the competitive US market.
## Band Lineup
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* featured the core trio of Muse:
– Matt Bellamy – lead vocals, guitar, piano
– Chris Wolstenholme – bass guitar, backing vocals
– Dominic Howard – drums, percussion
The band occasionally incorporated additional touring musicians and backing tracks to replicate the album’s layered sound in a live setting.
## Technical Crew and Production Team
The tour’s success was supported by a skilled technical crew, including sound engineers, lighting designers, stage managers, and visual artists. Their collaboration ensured the seamless integration of music and multimedia elements, contributing to the overall impact of the live shows.
## Conclusion
The *Black Holes and Revelations Tour* was a landmark event in Muse’s career, reflecting their artistic growth and ambition. It combined innovative stagecraft with powerful musical performances, helping to establish the band as a major force in contemporary rock music. The tour’s influence is evident in Muse’s subsequent live endeavors and in the broader landscape of rock concert production.
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**Meta Description**
The Black Holes and Revelations Tour was Muse’s global concert tour from 2006 to 2008, supporting their fourth album with innovative stage design and dynamic performances. It solidified their reputation as a leading live rock act.