The Bands

Muse: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

todayMarch 21, 2024 90

Background
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Muse take everything to eleven. Matt Bellamy’s falsetto and classical-influenced guitar and piano, Chris Wolstenholme’s thunderous bass and Dominic Howard’s propulsive drums combine prog ambition, electronic production and stadium rock spectacle. Few bands have ever sounded bigger, and few have changed shape as often.

Muse at a glance

Formed1994, Teignmouth, Devon, England
MembersMatt Bellamy (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Wolstenholme (bass), Dominic Howard (drums)
GenresAlternative rock, electronic rock, progressive rock, space rock
GrammysBest Rock Album for The Resistance (2011) and Drones (2016)

Formation

Bellamy, Wolstenholme and Howard formed the band as teenagers in the small seaside town of Teignmouth. After years of local gigs and name changes, they signed with Taste Media and released their debut in 1999. Early comparisons to Radiohead faded fast as their sound grew more operatic.

The albums

Showbiz (1999)

A dramatic debut with “Muscle Museum,” “Sunburn” and “Unintended.”

Origin of Symmetry (2001)

The breakthrough: wild riffs, church organ and falsetto. “Plug In Baby,” “New Born” and their cover of “Feeling Good” became fan favorites.

Absolution (2003)

Their first U.K. No. 1, with “Hysteria,” “Time Is Running Out,” “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Sing for Absolution.”

Black Holes and Revelations (2006)

The global breakthrough, adding electronic and funk grooves. “Supermassive Black Hole,” “Starlight,” “Knights of Cydonia” and “Map of the Problematique” made them a stadium band.

The Resistance (2009)

Grandiose and classical, with “Uprising” and the “Exogenesis” symphony. It won a Grammy.

The 2nd Law (2012)

Electronic and dubstep-influenced, with “Madness” and “Panic Station.”

Drones (2015)

A return to guitar-heavy rock and a Grammy winner, with “Dead Inside” and “Psycho.”

Simulation Theory (2018) and Will of the People (2022)

Simulation Theory embraced 1980s synths and neon visuals; Will of the People reviewed their whole career, with “Won’t Stand Down” and “Compliance.” In 2026, “Be With You” took the No. 1 spot on our Electronic Rock Top 20.

Matt Bellamy

Bellamy’s guitar playing mixes Hendrix-style riffs with classical piano influences (Rachmaninoff and Chopin among them), and his lyrics often explore conspiracy, technology and resistance.

Legacy

Muse proved that alternative rock could be theatrical and electronic without losing its edge. Their live shows are among the most spectacular in rock.

Ten songs to start with

  1. Hysteria
  2. Uprising
  3. Supermassive Black Hole
  4. Plug In Baby
  5. Starlight
  6. Time Is Running Out
  7. Knights of Cydonia
  8. Madness
  9. New Born
  10. Stockholm Syndrome

If you like Muse, try

Radiohead, Queen, Nothing But Thieves, Royal Blood, The Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails.

Frequently asked questions

When did Muse form?

In 1994 in Teignmouth, Devon, England.

Who are the members of Muse?

Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard.

What is Muse’s biggest song?

“Uprising,” “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Hysteria” are their best known.

Is Muse still active?

Yes. Muse continues to release music and tour.

Hear it on The Alternative One

Muse topped our August Electronic Rock Top 20, and their back catalog is a fixture of our modern rock shows. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: www.muse.mu. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.

Written by: Alternative One

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