Muse biography
Muse are of the world's biggest rock bands, selling millions of records worldwide and notching up 26 major music awards since 2000. The trio from Devon are also famous for their vigorous and extravagant live performances and became the first group to sell out the new Wembley Stadium in 2007.
How it all began
Muse consists of front man and lead vocalist Matt Bellamy, who also plays the guitar and piano. Dominic Howard is on drums and percussion and Chris Wolstenholme plays bass and sings backing vocals. They've been together since just before the start of the new millennium and after playing several gigs in London, they caught the eye of American label Maverick Records following a gig in New York and soon released debut album Showbiz. It was a successful debut, reaching number 29 in the UK charts, but critics panned it at the time for its apparent all-too-obvious Radiohead influence. However, the record opened doors for the band, who managed to land U.S tour slots for the mighty Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters, which lead to the lads playing big festivals in Europe and Australia.
Early album releases
In 2001, Muse released their second album Origin of Symmetry which peaked at number three in the UK and receiving high praise for trying out a variety of different instruments. A year later, the band threatened Celine Dion with legal action when she wanted to call her Las Vegas show 'Muse.' The band owned the worldwide performing rights to the name and rejected her pleas, forcing the singer to think of something else.
In 2003, Muse finally scored a number one album in the UK with the launch of Absolution which also gave them their debut top ten hit with 'Time Is Running Out.' The same year, they embarked on their first international stadium tour, playing to fans in Australia, New Zealand, America, and France. They also performed at Glastonbury the following June, but their jubilation at playing such a high profile gig, which they said at the time was one of their biggest achievements so far, was soon met with great sadness for the band. The father of drummer Dominic Howard died from a heart attack shortly after watching his son perform to tens of thousands of fans. But after some time off to grieve and plenty of support from family, friends and the band themselves, the show went on and the trio continued with their massive tour.
Awards and Touring
After winning several major music awards, including a BRIT Award for Best Live Act in 2005, they went on to release fourth album Black Holes and Revelations. It gave Muse their second UK number one, with the record also reaching the top spot in Australia and most of Europe. They also had a US top ten with the record, after it peaked at number nine. It was nominated for a prestigious Mercury Music Prize too, but the gong went to Arctic Monkeys instead. Since their start, the trio have won two BRIT awards for Best Live Act, four Kerrang Awards and six NME Awards.
After more touring, which included supporting U2 for their 360° Tour extravaganza, Muse released HAARP, a DVD and live album featuring their massive Wembley gigs, before headlining at the V Festival in August 2008. The release of their fifth studio album The Resistance hit the shops in late 2009 and became the first record to be totally produced by the band themselves, earning them another UK number one and topping the charts in almost 20 countries. Their success in America also continued, with the record receiving high praise and reaching number three in the charts.
In early 2010, Muse announced they will headline Glastonbury in June, along with the legendary Stevie Wonder. During the same year, eleven of their hit singles made Absolute Radio's Song of the Decade chart , including 'Uprising', 'Starlight' and ' 'Hysteria.'