Muse - An Iconic Obsession

(Promotional photo of Muse).

For all of those who watched the MTV Music Video Awards on September 13, 2009, the British based rock group Muse was a lead performer. This marked the first occasion in which a foreign band performed at the United States version of the awards show (Jones). Muse has had a growing influence in American music and entertainment in the last decade, demonstrating that foreign acts may make a profound impact internationally. The success of this trio is an affirmation of the American Dream, in which three British musicians were able to transform their passion for musical transcendence into international acclaim. Frontman and founder Matthew Bellamy aspires to make profound changes in the music industry (“Muse”). Muse epitomizes the American beliefs that any individual may achieve success though hard work, dedication, and a just cause. The creative and lyrical messages Bellamy conveys, the sheer talent the group possesses, and the stellar live performances the band gives substantiate Muse as an iconic obsession.


(Muse at MTV Euro Awards).

History of Muse

(Rocket Baby Dolls, the predecessor to Muse).
Muse was founded by Matthew Bellamy, Christopher Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard at the age of thirteen in their hometown of Teignmouth, Devon, England. These childhood friends originally formed the band as a trivial way to pass the time. Bellamy himself was radical by nature, using flashy outfits and maneuvers on stage. In fact, the group’s original name was Gothic Plague. Under the new name of Rocket Baby Dolls, taken from a Japanese pornographic film, the trio entered their school’s Battle of the Bands (“Muse”). To their surprise, the band placed first. Realizing that they had raw and untapped talent, the trio took up the name Muse and began to focus on music more passionately.

However, immediate success did not come to the trio. The advent of “Britpop” angered frontman Bellamy, who believed pure music requires more emotion and passion. Other groups such as Radiohead, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Queen greatly influenced the band to procure a more edged state. As drummer Howard stated, “Music became more than just a way out. It became a passion and a way for us to express ourselves” (“Muse Biography”). The band quickly began to release EPs and tour extensively across England. Individuals across the world became accustomed to “their blistering sound, an impassioned blend of majestic vocals, atom-smashing guitars, and moody, seductive atmospherics” (“Muse Biography”). As grassroots support grew, Muse ventured to America and was signed under Madonna’s label Maverick. After the debut of their first album Showbiz and subsequent albums, their popularity skyrocketed.


(Young Bellamy playing a show).
This popularity was due in part to the band’s use of revolutionary styles and musical signatures in their work. Frontman Matthew Bellamy is a self-described socialist and speaks of unity and resistance in his works. The sheer innate radicalism of Bellamy’s lyrics sets him apart from other bands in the present. In addition, the band has consistently been voted for one of the best live bands in the world. Their dazzling light shows, intensifying spectacles, and rigorous vocals captivate their audiences worldwide. Muse is a trademark icon. The trio has influenced the formation and thought processes of over 200 bands (“Muse”). Their passion to transcend beyond the complacency and calmness of modern rock is apparent even in their works today. The group has inspired other bands to try to succeed in America, demonstrating that foreign bands may progress beyond their home country in pursuit of the American Dream.

Geographic Muse

(Teignmouth, Devon, England, birthplace of Muse).

Muse originated in Teignmouth, Devon, England, but has become a household name in America (Pride). By the start of the twenty-first century, the band had quickly risen to prominence. Their heavy riffs, radically inspiring lyrics, and melodic undertones transcend the group beyond the typical rock band. Following the release of their third album, Absolution, the band became a figurehead in American rock (BDO). Their popularity knows no bounds, for their latest four albums have all been certified Platinum internationally. The band has received over twenty-five awards from various music award shows. For example, the band has been won "Best Live Band" at the NME awards on four different occasions (Pride).

(Interview with Bellamy and Howard).

Although originally forming in Britain, the trio’s influence extends far beyond the island. Their most recent tour expands across five continents and incorporates over 120 gigs over the course of a year. Their brash lyrics and stellar light shows make any live performance memorable. As part of their “The Resistance” tour, Muse stopped in Detroit, Michigan on March 13, 2010. Myself and two of my friends traveled to Detroit for the weekend in order to witness the trio perform. The band took pride in their Teignmouth roots on the stage in a dazzling light show and deafening “brain-melting” experience (Auburt). Lead singer and guitarist Matthew Bellamy commanded the stage with such authority that one would have thought that he was an actor. The experience was truly revolutionary and I encourage any and all individuals who have the opportunity to see such a talented act live. Such performances consistently inspire other foreign bands to tour extensively and gain American support. The prevalence of the American Dream and desire to excel were clearly evidenced in this site visit.

Muse & Technology

(Bellamy's keytar).
As evidenced by such live performances, every Muse concert is a spectacle to behold in awe. Their more recent concerts have featured towering skyscrapers that house the members of the band until their performance. A flashing display of lights and breathtakingly large eyeballs fall from the sky during the concert. Bellamy himself manifests a microphone, a Grand piano, a "keytar", and five different electric guitars during a single show (Bellamy, Wolstenholme, and Howard). The technology put into each show is remarkable.

Remarkably, hours of preparation are placed into each show. Hundreds of roadies and workers are recruited to merely set up the stage and ferry the instruments (Morden). The dazzling light show and numerous instruments require hours of work. Muse dedicates hours of their time to aid in the pre-show setup (Bellamy, Wolstenholme, and Howard). In essence, Muse utilizes color, sound, and vivid imagery to convey the quintessential performance to the audience. Muse stratifies their concert experience by incorporating a variety of audience interactions. For example, Muse releases enormous eye balls towards the closing of their set list for the audience floor members to enjoy.


(Eyeballs released during a performance).
Although the technological experience may seem standard, Muse's ability to incorporate a vast diversity of instruments and influences sets the standard for other groups. For example, in writing the lyrics for an album, Bellamy reads novels written by politicians and other prominent figures for inspiration (Morden). Bellamy is able to incorporate a complete spectrum of meanings and verses into each song he composes. As Bellamy stated,

It sounds strange, but I'm not sure where some of our song ideas come from. Obviously, they emanate from somewhere deep within me, but sometimes even I don't understand how I come up with them, and to be honest, I really don't want to find out. I'm afraid that if I figure out the answer, the ideas might stop flowing (“Muse Biography”).

Despite his reluctance to derive what his lyrics stand for, Bellamy is able to incorporate a wide variety of topics into his masterpieces. The band’s advanced technology and stellar live capabilities set Muse apart from other musical groups. It is this diversity that enables the trio to excel.

Muse in the Arts

This excellence denotes the radicalism and emotion behind their lyrics. Bellamy speaks of resisting against a supreme authority and the rights of the individual. Bellamy transforms his songs into a form of art; the melodies and meanings essentially become real. Upon visiting a concert in March 2010, I was taken aback by the sheer majesty of the setting. Bellamy was able to control the audience as a maestro controls his or her concert (Bellamy, Wolstenholme, and Howard). He has created a vast array of songs that cover a diversity of topics, such as lust, rebellion, enslavement, and insanity. Each song is taken from personal experiences that each of the band members have faced.


(Live performance I attended in Detroit).

These personal experiences have led to the release of over 150 songs. Their albums have been certified Platinum in over twenty countries (Laban). Bellamy has received a doctorate in the arts from the University of Plymouth for his worldwide acclaim. In essence, Muse's essence as an artist has grown tremendously over the past decade. The group has become a world-renown visionary in the field of modern rock.

Additionally, Muse has been featured in a number of motion pictures. They have been featured in every Twilight film and have led each soundtrack with their singles (Kreps). The band has played with some of the most notorious bands of all time. Their songs have garnered worldwide acclaim and have been played at The Superbowl, various sporting events, and the 2008 Olympic Games. Bellamy's guitars have been featured on magazines and newsstands worldwide. His sense of fashion and noticeable red blazer set him as a fashion icon (BDO). His blazing red guitar and gelled hair create a stage presence unmatched.


(Bellamy's notable red blazer and guitar).

This has allowed Muse to become a primary influence on modern day rock. Their electronic undertones, aggressive riffs, and liberal lyrics set them apart from the other groups of the era. Following two decades after formation, the band has become a national commodity. Their tour sold out within hours of tickets being released. It is this dedication that their fans possess that transcends the band into much more than a simple musical group. A group is able to have such prevalence and worth in a foreign land, which truly is remarkable.

Muse Biography

(Bellamy surrounded by light show at performances).
The band was formed in the early 1990s by three childhood friends. What originally began as a joke transcended into a passion for music and desire to make a change in the entertainment industry. Frontman Matthew Bellamy possessed an innate talent that quickly garnered the band local success (Pareles). Comparisons to such notable bands as Radiohead and Queen quickly garnered interest in the group’s formation. Although influenced by such prominent acts, Muse wished to shed all ties to these groups. Bellamy’s desire in forming a group was to create a new and eccentric sound that could not be replicated (Pareles). Muse became known worldwide after the release of their sophomore album, Origins of Symmetry. Despite polarity over the band’s genre and labels, their name spread throughout Europe. Widespread touring and popularization quickly landed the group time on nationally syndicated broadcasts and concerts. Following their third release, Absolution, the band became a success in America (Lowe).


(Muse interview with Zane Lowe).
Furthermore, nations across the globe have become obsessed with Muse. As stated after receiving a NME for “Best British Band,” Muse was decreed “the last great rock band” (NME). In the last year, all but three of the band’s shows have been sold out (Pareles). Muse has basic eccentricities during their live performances. For example, Bellamy has been known to smash guitars. He holds the world record for the most smashed in a tour, 140 (Lowe). Bellamy has also been known to shuffle onstage, twirl his guitar in circles, and span three octaves in a single song In fact, Bellamy hit himself in the face with his guitar during a show in Atlanta in 2004 (Laban).


(Muse interview with NME).
The same trio exists in the band that formed over nearly twenty-five years ago. Subtle changes have been made in the band’s message, however. A current Muse is more serene, but also more rebellious than the incipient. The group’s lyrics speak of rebellion against an oppressive authority, as compared with those of lust and anxiety of their earlier works. While no fundamental changes have been made in the band’s lineup, they have become increasingly popular worldwide. It is this popularity that stems the American Dream.

Societal Muse

(Personal picture taken at a Muse concert).
Despite being of British descent, they have quickly assimilated into American culture. They provide an inspiration to other groups worldwide that international acclaim is possible. Their powerful lyrics and intense riffs inspire many American acts as well (Auburt). Frontman Matthew Bellamy has done everything in his power to shed all liking to other groups and to create an original sound. He supports revolution and a general growth in individual rights. His lyrics speak of rebellion from an oppressive leader. Their commercial success symbolizes that through hard work and ingenuity, any band may achieve international acclaim. The trio spends months touring in the United States and embraces American culture. One of their fundamental goals was to achieve success in America, which they have.


(Cover of their most recent album).

In addition, the issues raised by lead guitarist and singer Matthey Bellamy carry weight in America. His powerful lyrics and emotional guitar work place Bellamy in a league above many American artists. This distinction allows Muse to achieve a success that many American artists find near impossible. Ideas such as freedom, unity, rebellion, and lust are promoted within their lyrics as well, carrying influence into American society. Events such as 9/11 and other worldwide catastrophes inspire the group to work towards a greater good. They are also influenced greatly by politics; Bellamy himself is a self-described socialist ("Muse Biography") His ideals, although radical, convey undertones in his lyrics that may give rise to a greater cause. Bellamy, Wolstenholme, and Howard are religiously skeptical and show signs of atheism, agnosticism, and Deism. Many do not look beyond the lyrics at the messages Bellamy attempts to convey. America has still not become as widespread supportive of the band as Britain has. Only time will allow the nation to accept the band’s radical views and potential positive effects on society.

Conclusion
Muse is truly an iconic obsession. Although hailing from Teignmouth, Devon, England, the trio has truly become ingrained in American culture. Muse was founded on the basis of turning a passion for music into societal change. Bellamy’s chagrin was with the melodic bands of his era and attempted to provide a revolutionary form of music that could appeal worldwide. This aspiration to excel, with regards to America, is fundamental to an iconic obsession. The band’s liberal lyrics, presentation, and performances distinguish Muse from similar acts. Using advanced technology and resources during their concerts is one manner in which the trio is unforgettable in America. Their concerts sell out almost immediately and their messages of unity and doubt have gained weight since the band’s inception. Their mannerisms and trademarks are known across the nation. The American Dream is an essential American ideal in which foreigners come to America in hopes of succeeding. Muse has accomplished just that; a group of British idealists has achieved widespread success in America. It is this success that truly makes Muse an iconic obsession.