It includes frontman, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Matt Bellamy, bassist and backing vocalist Christopher Wolstenholme, and drummer Dominic Howard. Muse is known for a unique style of alt-rock, with electronic music leanings and a blend of classical music, which lends to an ethereal, melancholic sound.
Starting in the early ’90s under the original name Gothic Plague, the band toured relentlessly with bands such as Skunk Anansie. The band released its first EPs to a loyal fan base and was met with relative success in the UK indie charts. This earned the group crucial backing from the likes of Steve Lamacq and NME, and its debut studio album Showbiz was released in 1999, scoring relative chart success. The album has since gone on to become a certified platinum album in the UK.
Muse’s second album, released in 2001, revealed a growth in sound and ambition that is still evident in its records today. Origin of Symmetry saw the band shift into progressive rock territory, producing momentous singles like “New Born” and “Bliss.” The album acted as a catalyst that moved Muse into commercial and critical success for years to come. Its next four albums all topped the UK album charts, and the band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.
In 2003, Muse released its third album, Absolution. This album debuted at number one in the UK, and with time, became certified gold in the US. This album is widely considered the band’s breakthrough album, with key hits such as “Time Is Running Out” and “Hysteria” topping the charts. In support of this album, Muse headed out on a year-long international tour.
In 2006, Muse released its fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations. This album debuted at number one on the charts in five countries. From this album, two singles, “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Knights of Cydonia,” became chart-toppers, reaching the top 10 hits in the UK.
Muse’s live shows also followed the same ambitious, gargantuan elevation of music. Famed for its tours, the band has won two Brit Awards for Best Live Act, and it sells out arenas and stadiums around the globe with ease. Muse has become a legendary force on the festival circuit, and has headlined Reading and Leeds, T in the Park, and Glastonbury over the years. At Glastonbury Festival 2010, a gigantic crowd to its pyramid stage set up at the latter event in 2010.
Around the same time, Muse’s latest album The Resistance was conquering all corners of the UK. The band then scooped three Grammy nominations and a win for Best Rock Album, which helped it officially break into the US. Its explosion in popularity led to its performance at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London – and to its single “Survival” becoming the official anthem of the event.
Since its acclaimed Olympic performance, Muse has gone on to produce three more albums. Released in 2015, Drones was an album that aimed to return to the original rock sound for which Muse was originally known, but weaved in a powerful statement on the dehumanization of modern warfare. with the release of Drones, Muse began another tour focused on small venues throughout the UK and theAlong US. Drones an immediate hit, topping charts globally.
After touring the globe, including headlining at major festivals, Muse continued its path forward with another album release in 2018 — Simulation Theory. This kicked off the Simulation Theory World Tour, which took the band all the way from Houston, Texas, to a final stop in Lima, Peru.
At the end of 2019, Muse released a special compilation box titled Origin of Muse. This included remastered versions of its albums and previously unreleased music. This special edition is a dream come true for Muse fans. The box contains a 48-page book, nine CDs, four vinyl records. One of the highlights of the set is a fully-remastered version of the band’s debut album Showbiz.
Most recently, in 2022, Muse released the Will of the People. This album showcases the darker, heavier side of Muse’s music, with singles “Won’t Stand Down” and “Compliance” quickly becoming fan favorites.
Known for its flawless performances, Muse continues to capture the depth of its musical history in every show. Fans, who are often referred to as Musers, flock to see the band perform at large arenas around the world. Most shows sell out, and in order to find a position near the front of the stage, Musers arrive hours ahead of showtime.
Not only does Muse deliver an incredibly dynamic and energetic live show, but its sound production is renowned for being top-quality. Bellamy’s vocals can be heard clearly, along with every accompanying instrument. Recently, touring member Morgan Nicholls was replaced by Dan Lancaster. Lancaster now plays additional keys, percussion, and guitar, as well as providing backup vocals.
To snag tickets to a Muse tour date, make sure to pay attention to recently released tour schedules. Muse’s 2022-2023 “The Will of the People World” Tour reaches far and wide.
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