Mum was a big Muse fan.

Whilst working in radio, I would sometimes get access to free gig tickets and was always holding out hope that some freebies would come up for Muse.

And one day, they did. I immediately put my name down and was able to get us two tickets to the upcoming Muse concert at the O2.

This was a real treat. Mum was often coming to visit me in London, insisting on buying me lunch and of course, providing that big cuddle beginning and end.  

We met after work and got the tube together. It was packed with gig-goers and – being a practising Londoner – I had to remind Mum that you don’t talk to strangers on the tube, even if they are trying to chat you up!

I’m not sure if Mum had been to the O2 before but if so, this was a great introduction. We had good seats, overlooking the massive sea of people but also close enough to see the stage and band in detail.

It was a brilliant gig, the band were promoting their album “The 2nd Law” and I remember their use of lights really brought the show alive. We both enjoyed it immensely and I took lots of photos on my (not so great) camera phone of the day.

Once the gig finished, we joined a swarm of thousands heading back onto the tube. It was so busy and by the time we got to the station it was clear that there was no way Mum would make the last train home. So instead of getting the tube to Waterloo we went to East London where I lived. Despite offers to stay at mine, Mum was adamant she would get a hotel – that independent spirit. We checked her into a hotel on Hackney Road – the Shoreditch Inn I think, and made plans to meet up in the morning.

I can’t recall if we went for breakfast the next day, but I do vividly remember putting Mum on the number 26 bus that went directly to Waterloo and promising her that I would send her all the pictures from the gig.

I always hoped we would go to see Muse again and sadly that was not to be the case.

After Mum died and I was going through some photos, I found a small album dedicated to that night. All pictures of the gig. She clearly cherished that night and the memories made as much as me.