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Muse Guides

Christopher, Mathew, Dominic known as 'MUSE' have hit the world by storm. They are the ‘Rock’ group making waves across the country known for their energy and great performances. These three guys have been together since 1994 entertaining around the country. Their music that is a mixture of rock and classical incorporating electric sounds is unique to any group.

Four albums, so far, have been released since their beginning: Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes and Revelations. The next album to hit the stores, The Resistance, is scheduled to be released around September 2009.

The group has won several awards: MTV Europe Music Award, the Q Awards, Six-time winner of the NME Awards, two-time winner of the BRIT Awards and four-time winner of the Kerrang Awards. The dynamic performance of the group is amazing. In addition to portraying their talent, they take an active interest in charities. At the Royal Albert Hall, Muse donated their entire earnings to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Muse: The Beginning

Muse did not make their mark or become famous immediately. Their first concerts garnered a crowd of somewhere in the range of twenty to thirty people. They began entertaining as teens, playing in separate groups while attending college. The teens began to seriously develop their talents during their tenure at the Teignmouth Community College and The Comsat during the year 1994. Chris Wolstenholme is the bass player in the group. Mathew Bellamy takes forefront as the singer and he dabbles in a little keyboard. Awesome multi talented singer, he plays the guitar and writes most of the songs the group entertains their fans with. Dominic Howard plays the drums and is the percussionist. The three interesting and talented young men incorporate their talents in what has now made them successful worldwide. While performing at a competition 'battle of the bands', the group realized the intensity of their appeal, decided to not go any further in their education, terminated their employment and moved to Teignmouth. There they began to take their music seriously.

Realizing their talent and appeal was a major draw for some, the Muse began to understand the needs of their group and worked to build a large following. They began to play events in London and Manchester. A planned meeting with well-known owner of Sawmills Studio, led to several additional recordings, finally resulted in a new release, entitled, 'eponymous EP'. Eponymous Ep was released under Sawmills in house label, 'Dangerous'.

The first release did not place in the industries top ten. Their second release, under the same label, Dangerous; entitled 'Muscle Museum EP' placed at number 3 on the singles charts. With this release, Muse was now looking good to industry giants wanting and in desperate need of new energy. The group caught the attention of British Radio broadcaster, Steve Lamacq. Almost simultaneously, they drew the attention of British music publication NME.

Muse finally came to the attention of Dennis Smith. Dennis’s goal was to take the group farther. He introduced them to his partner at Taste Media recording label, Safta Jaffery. A professional relationship began and the group signed with Taste Media.

They produced three albums: Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution. Looking for more attention and recognition from the giants in the industry, Muse was somewhat disappointed when they failed to get the attention desired from larger British record labels. The major teams were somewhat hesitant to sign Muse.

Not until some time after they played in New York, did they catch the attention desired. An American Recording executive approached the group. They were asked by then senior Director of A&R at Columbia Records to play for Senior Vice Presidents of A&R. Nancy Walker flew the group to a special meeting to play for the Senior Vice President, Tim Devine, and Rick Rubin of American Recordings. They hit pay dirt. While being parlayed around the different industry giants, Muse collaborated with Maverick Records. A contract was signed.

After signing with Maverick Records, Taste Media still allowed them to arrange deals with different record labels in Europe and Australia. With this partnership under their belts, the group was able to maintain the control they desired.

Showbiz was an album spearheaded by the Muse depicting the intensity of their trials experienced while seeking fame. They were contracted after releasing Showbiz to tour with already famous groups such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. These tours took place in the United States. Then in 1999 and 2000, Muse toured throughout Europe and Australia.

Introducing Lead Singer: Mathew Bellamy

Mathew Bellamy was born June 9, 1978. Mathew comes from a background of music. His father, George Bellamy, played guitar for the well-known 1960 rock group the Tornados. The Tornados toured the United States per5forming their hit single, 'Telstar'. His mother, Marilyn born in Belfast, was driving a taxi when she met George. Mathew has one brother who is older than he is. Paul. At the age of six, Mathew began to show an ability to play the piano. His parents divorced. After their divorce, Mathew went to live with his grandmother. She encouraged and even required that Mathew pursue his musical talent by playing the guitar. Mathew has a sensational voice. He is a tenor using a falsetto register.

Mathew was recognized for his ability and dedication to music. The University of Plymouth recognized his work. They awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in the field of the Arts. /p>

Introducing: Chris Wolstenholme

Chris Wolstenholme was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England on December 2, 1978. He plays bass and lends a deep sensation when singing bass in the background. Christopher plays the guitar and keyboard. He spent his young years growing up in Rotherham. Later his family moved to Teignmouth, Devon. He began performing with a punk rock band playing the drums. Drums were not his thing. After two years, he joined with Bellamy's band. The first name the group played under was Rocket Baby Dolls. They later changed their name to 'Muse'.

The University of Plymouth also awarded an honorary doctorate of arts to Wolstenhome. He seems to be intrigued with different styles of basses. He began initially playing the Warwick and Bass collection basses. He included in his collection an electric double bass. His favorite has been the Ampeg SVT amps. He uses distortion when playing. His favorite is the Electro Harmonix Big Muff. He has had a series of custom-made basses.

Wolstenholme also plays the harmonica. At the 2008 V Festival, he wowed the crowd when he played 'Man with the Harmonica totally on his harmonica.

Introducing: Dominic Howard

The eldest member of the group, Dominic Howard was born on December 7, 1977. At the age of 12, Dominic discovered his talent playing the drums. He was inspired when his school had a jazz band perform. His first band went by the name of Carnage Mayhem. While playing with this band, he met and befriended Mathew Bellamy. Mathew was playing guitar at the time, but was not associated with any group. Later, there was an opportunity to bring in a new member and Bellamy became a member of Howard’s band.

Dominic Howard’s father, William Howard watched one of the group’s performances in 2004 at the Glastonbury. Bellamy described this concert as the 'Best Gig of their lives'. Shortly after this performance ended, Howard’s father had a massive heart attack. He did not recover and died that same night. Dominic took his fathers death very hard. However, he had a strong support system. His family members and the members of the group were able to help him through his loss. The group continued their tour.

Howard was an avid fan of Jimi Hendrix music. He stated during a fan question and answer session that the celebrity he wanted to meet the most, alive or dead, is Jimi Hendrix.

Some of the best drummers in history inspire Dominic’s music and talent: Stewart Copeland, Jimmy Chamberlain, Roger Taylor, Buddy Rich, Nick Mason, Tree Cool, Tim Alexander, Dave Grohi, and so many more the list would take up an entire page. While such talents as Jim Hendrix, Pavement, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Deftones and lastly Nine Inch Nails also intrigue him, Dominic Howard can be an inspiration himself.

His antics include attending and playing at a concert wearing a Spiderman costume. He traditionally wears coloured skinny jeans to most concerts and while touring. He was asked to endorse the Tama Drums. While performing, Dominic has used and in some instances destroyed the Tama instruments; he continues to use recent editions and those that have been discontinued. Dominic also uses the cymbals. He currently uses several different styles and sizes while performing.

While Dominic is a master drummer and can really work the cymbals, his singing vocals leaves a lot to be desired. He performed 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' at the BBC. He sang again while recording Absolution. The entire band had to sing. While singing, the techs interrupted the recording stating someone was singing out of tune. After isolating the guilty party, Dominic was asked to play instruments only.

Top Studio Albums

Absolution - Muse's first album to ever hit the charts was released on September 21, 2003 in the United Kingdom. On March 23, 2004, Absolution was released in the United States. In the United States, the album was purchased for its hit, ‘Time Is Running Out and Hysteria’. However, in the UK, the one top single on this album was 'Hysteria'. Absolution became the 21st best album released in Britain during 2006. Absolution has also sent crowds into frenzies when the tune 'Butterflies and Hurricanes’ is played. Fans collapse during the piano solo.

Black Holes and Revelations - released on July 3, 2006, the songs introduced on this album were recorded in the United States (New York) and France (Paris). Black Holes and Revelations was influenced by the music of Queen, Millionaire, Sly and the Family Stone, Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand and an array of artist from South Italy. Some seem to think, Muse also, there are political and sci fi undertones incorporated in the music and lyrics here. Topics range from alien invasion theories to New World Order conspiracies. Later in the tunes, the tones seem to mellow with the love songs intermixed. In its first week of release, Black Holes and Revelations sold 115,144 copies in the UK alone. As a double platinum release, Black Holes and Revelations has far outsold Muses first release, Absolution. After the release of B&R, Muse went on a world tour which included concerts in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Origin of Symmetry - released on June 17, 2001, Origin of Symmetry was recorded at Ridge Farm Studios in Surrey and Real World Studio in Willshire. Released by Mushroom Records, Origin of Symmetry reached number three on the charts and was certified platinum. Reviews were all positive regarding the music, lyrics and tone of Origin of Symmetry. Dominic Bellamy pulled off some fascinating mixes of various drum kits and other instruments. Mathew Bellamy used a pipe organ to change the appeal of their music. Because the Bellamy used pipe organs, the tune 'Megalomania’ is rarely performed while on tour. In the Will Smith hit movie ‘Seven Pounds‘ Muse performs their single, Feeling Good.

Showbiz - Showbiz was Muse's debut album. Released on October 4, 1999 in the United Kingdom, Showbiz was recorded during the months of April and May at R&K studio in London and Sawmills Studio in Cornwall. Showbiz was considered a success of major proportions. Group member Mathew Bellamy wrote the majority of the songs on Showbiz.

Resistance - Due to be released on September 14, 2009, Resistance is the work of both Muse with sound mixed by Mark Stent. Muse began considering the tunes included in their next album while touring in 2007. Preferred to be an Electronic album, Muse had already developed several tunes prior to 2009. Firm details have not yet been released. Some say it may be a mix of short singles. Others say it might offer the fans a fifty-minute symphony. The full magnitude of Resistance has not been disclosed. For the next release, Dominic Howard was quoted as stating, 'Not that we are against releasing an album in the traditional format at all. It's just the world and technology is evolving. It's presenting a canvas to do whatever you want and just release. It can happen much more organically." This discussion was based on the group’s intention to change their direction from traditional formats moving more inline with the direction 21st century music and entertainment is taking.

Awards

With the exception of the year 2003, Muse has received recognition awards each year since 2000:

2000 - Muse received the NME Award for Best New Artist in The United Kingdom

2001 - Muse received the Kerrang! Award for Best British Band

2002 - Muse was presented with three awards: Kerang! Award for Best British Live Act in the UK

Q Awarded the group the 'Innovation Award' in the UK

Kerang! Award for Best Album in the UK

MTV EMA Award for Best alternative in Italy

MTV EMA Award for Best UK & Ireland Act in Italy

BRIT Award for Best Live Act in the UK

2005 - Muse was presented with five awards: NME Award for Best Live Act in the UK

mtvU Woodie Award for Best International Group in the US

Q Award for the Best Liver Act in the UK

MTV EMA Award for Best Alternative in DenmarK

Kerrang! Award for Best Live Act in the UK

2006 - Muse was presented with eight wards: BT Digital Music Award for Best Rock Artist in the UK

UK Festival Award for Best Rock Act in the UK

UK Best Festival Award for Best Headline Act in the UK

Vodafone Live Music Award for Best Live Act in the UK

BRIT Award for Best Live Act in the UK

NME Award for Best British Band in the UK

BT Digital Music Awards for Best Rock Artist in the UK

Vodafone Live Music Tour of The Year Award in the UK

2007 - Muse was presented with five awards: Q Awards for Best Live Act in the UK

MTV EMA Award for Headliner in Germany

MTV EMA Award for Best UK & Ireland Act in Germany

mtvU Woodie Award for Best Performing Act in the US

Meteor Music Award for Best International Live

Performance in Ireland

2008 - Muse was presented with two awards: NME Award for Best Live Band in the UK

MTV Asia Award for Bring Da House Down in Malaysia

NME Award for Best Live Band in the UK

2009 - Muse received two awards this year: NME Award for Best Live Band in the UK

NME Award for Best Album Artwork in the UK

Muse Videos