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Muse

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Band Timeline

1994

Formation of Muse

Muse, an English rock band, was formed in 1994 in Teignmouth, Devon. The original members were Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Chris Wolstenholme (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Dominic Howard (drums, percussion). The band initially played in separate school bands and came together initially under the name Rocket Baby Dolls before renaming to Muse. They started with a goth-glam image and local performances, eventually deciding to take their music seriously after winning a battle of the bands competition. The band name was chosen for its shortness and aesthetic appeal, with an added significance tied to inspiration and creativity.
1999

Debut Album 'Showbiz'

In 1999, Muse released their debut album titled 'Showbiz.' The album showcased Matt Bellamy's distinctive falsetto and a melancholic alternative rock style. This initial release helped Muse build a fanbase across Europe and made a significant impact in the UK, reaching number 29 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Notable singles from the album included 'Unintended,' which was Muse's first to reach the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. 'Showbiz' set the stage for Muse's evolving sound and growing popularity.
2001

Release of 'Origin of Symmetry'

Muse's second album, 'Origin of Symmetry,' came out in 2001 and marked an expansion in the band's musical style. This album incorporated wider instrumentation and romantic classical influences, which enhanced their reputation for energetic and innovative live performances. It reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified double platinum by the BPI. Singles like 'Plug In Baby,' 'New Born,' and 'Bliss' all found success in the UK top 25. This album solidified Muse's status as a rising force in alternative rock.
2003

Breakthrough with 'Absolution'

'Absolution,' released in 2003, represented a significant breakthrough for Muse, featuring stronger classical influences and the inclusion of string arrangements on tracks like "Butterflies and Hurricanes." It became their first album to top the UK Albums Chart and also achieved international recognition by reaching number 103 on the US Billboard 200. 'Absolution' was certified platinum by the RIAA in the US. The single "Time Is Running Out" broke into the UK Singles Chart top ten, peaking at number 8. This album demonstrated Muse's growing maturity and thematic depth, contributing to their emergence as a major band.
2006

'Black Holes and Revelations' and International Success

In 2006, Muse released their fourth studio album, 'Black Holes and Revelations,' which incorporated electronic and pop elements alongside their established rock sound. This album broadened their international appeal and commercial success, topping multiple albums charts and reaching the top ten on the US Billboard 200. The lead single 'Supermassive Black Hole' became Muse's most successful single on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 4. The album's innovative sound and political themes helped cement their identity as a globally recognized rock band with a strong presence in major stadium tours.
2008–2009

Live Album and 'The Resistance'

Muse released their first live album, 'HAARP,' in 2008, capturing the energy of their live performances and reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Their fifth studio album, 'The Resistance,' followed in 2009, continuing their exploration of themes like government oppression and civil unrest. This album topped several countries’ album charts for the first time and achieved a higher US chart position, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200. Singles such as 'Uprising' became significant hits, marking Muse's growing popularity in the US market and solidifying their reputation as one of the major stadium acts worldwide.
2012–2015

'The 2nd Law' and 'Drones' Era

Muse's sixth album, 'The 2nd Law' (2012), further explored themes of societal challenges including government oppression and energy crises. It topped the UK Albums Chart and showcased the band's continued evolution in blending genres and innovative sounds. In 2015, Muse released 'Drones,' a concept album focused on drone warfare and the loss of humanity in modern conflict. 'Drones' returned to a harder rock sound and was Muse's first album to reach number one on the US Billboard 200. Both albums helped maintain Muse's relevance and dominance in the rock music scene, especially in live performances and stadium tours.
2018–2022

Recent Works and Continued Success

Muse's eighth album, 'Simulation Theory,' was released in 2018 and prominently featured synthesizers with influences from science fiction and the simulation hypothesis. This album further demonstrated the band's interest in blending rock with electronic music and thematic storytelling. In August 2022, Muse released their ninth album, 'Will of the People,' which combined many genres and themes from their previous works. It marked their seventh consecutive album to reach number one on the UK charts. Throughout these years, Muse continued to be an influential force in the music industry, known for their innovative sound and spectacular live shows.

Albums

muse_1st_album
Showbiz
12 tracks
1999
muse_3rd_album
Origin of Symmetry
12 tracks
2001
muse_5th_album
Absolution
15 tracks
2003
muse_6th_album
Black Holes and Revelations
11 tracks
2006
muse_7th_album
The Resistance
11 tracks
2009
muse_8th_album
The 2nd Law
13 tracks
2012
muse_9th_album
Drones
12 tracks
2015
muse_10th_album
Simulation Theory
21 tracks
2018
muse_11th_album
Will of the People
10 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Christopher Wolstenholme

1994

Kithara

Background vocals

Harmonica

Bass guitar

Dominic Howard

1994

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Synthesizer

Matt Bellamy

1994

Guitar

Synthesizer

Lead vocals

Keyboard

Story of Muse

Muse: From Teignmouth to Global Domination

Muse, hailing from the seaside town of Teignmouth, Devon, burst onto the scene in 1994. This trio, featuring the soaring vocals and guitar prowess of Matt Bellamy, the thunderous basslines of Chris Wolstenholme, and the driving rhythms of Dominic Howard, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.

Their debut album, Showbiz, introduced the world to Bellamy's remarkable falsetto and their melancholic, alternative rock sound. But it was their second album, Origin of Symmetry, that truly cemented their reputation. This masterpiece, brimming with rich orchestration and romantic classical influences, showcased their electrifying live performances.

Absolution, their third album, took the band to new heights. With its soaring strings on tracks like "Butterflies and Hurricanes," it became the first of seven consecutive UK number-one albums, further solidifying their dominance.

Black Holes and Revelations, their fourth album, embraced a blend of electronic and pop elements, as heard in the anthemic "Supermassive Black Hole," catapulting them to international superstardom.

The Resistance and The 2nd Law, their fifth and sixth albums, delved into themes of government oppression and civil unrest, transforming Muse into a stadium-filling phenomenon.

Their seventh album, Drones, reached the summit of the US Billboard 200. This hard-hitting concept album explored the devastating impact of drone warfare. Simulation Theory, their eighth release, embraced the world of synthesizers and drew inspiration from science fiction and the simulation hypothesis.

Their ninth album, Will of the People, released in August 2022, seamlessly weaves together genres and themes from their previous work, offering a captivating culmination of their musical journey.

Muse's journey, from their humble beginnings to their current status as a global rock titan, is a testament to their unique blend of musicality, energy, and progressive vision. They continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their sonic explorations and powerful performances, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of their generation.

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