by Natasha Smith
Muse is arguably one of the only British bands in the last 10 years not to cave in to commercialism. This may be why they have such an impressive following of dedicated fans.
They have never sold out to make more money, or changed their style of music in order to achieve a number one single. All they seem to care about is having their own unique style in their music, their fashion and their expression as artists, which transcends genres.
Their albums: Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry, Hullabaloo and Absolution have always been popular in the album charts, which many agree is the definitive indication of a great band. Their latest album, Black Holes and Revelations, debuted at number one in many countries across Europe and Australia, with a highly respectable ninth position in the US Billboard charts and the UK number one hit single Supermassive Blackhole.
The band was formed in 1994 (though not always under the same name) and, for more than 12 years, Matthew Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme have been close, sharing similar notions about the ideology of the band.
They gained notoriety in the US when they toured with the likes of the Foo Fighters and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A number of appearances at major festivals throughout Europe and Australia expanded their following even more.
The band is not afraid to try new things with regard to music, being great believers in the synthesis of sound. Their live performances are what they are acclaimed for and, at the 2005 Brit Awards, Muse was bestowed with the Best Live Act award and won the Kerrang award for the same category, voted for by fans last month.
Songs like Time is running out, Starlight and Plug in baby have ensured a place for Muse as one of the best British bands in recent years. They have an international reputation for producing unorthodox sounds with clear influences from different genres of music. They seem to thrive on blending music styles that people would never consider experimenting with, which makes them pioneers for a quality music industry of the future.
They have just begun their latest tour, playing songs from their most recent album Black Holes and Revelations. The band will be gracing Portugal with their presence on October 26 at the Campo Pequeno Bullring in Lisbon from 9pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketline.pt or by calling 707 234 234.
