OAKLAND — It’s not exactly a trade secret that nearly 25 years into its career that Muse is one of the best live acts in modern rock. The band’s ‘all in’ attitude toward its live…

I’m excited to present my installment of RIFF’s year-end staff lists of the best albums of 2018. This year was one of transition and experimentation for artists, and I’ve used fairly simple criteria to narrow…

Muse again dives into the depths of cinematic sci-fi on Simulation Theory, the follow up to the English rock band’s 2015, Drones. Riddled with infectious percussion loops and grandiose vocal hooks, the album creates futuristic atmospheres while…

On the heels of another massive BottleRock Napa Valley, Coco Sterzenbach and Mike DeWald recap the festival, from their favorite sets of the previous weekend to the most delectable festival food offerings and a complete…

NAPA — Muse electrified BottleRock Napa Valley during the first day of the annual festival with a blistering set chock full of the band’s biggest hits from throughout its 20-year-old catalog. Muse defined what it means…

BottleRock Napa Valley returns to the Napa Valley Expo Memorial Day Weekend for the fifth annual incarnation of what has quickly become one of Northern California’s preeminent music festivals. This year’s BottleRock lineup boasts one…

  The producers of BottleRock Napa Valley have released the daily lineups for the annual festival, which kicks of May 25, as well as the individual day ticket prices and on-sale, on Wednesday. The individual ticket…

While other festivals may be leaning more than ever on pop acts and solo artists, the 2018 edition of BottleRock Napa Valley is doubling down on guitar bands. The three-day music and wine extravaganza returns to the…

MOUNTAIN VIEW — Muse continued their national tour Friday night with a nearly sold-out show at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, and fans eagerly awaited their presence. Muse played hit after hit, each one with more…

This is the second in a three-part series. Read the introduction to learn how I’m scoring my list and find out about my “special consideration” in PART 1. See my final five below. Favorite Shows…