This growing favourite was driven by a propulsive, classically-inspired riff. On the heels of extensive touring, Bellamy, along with bassist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard, decided to record a batch of new tracks with Tool producer Dave Bottrill, namely a song that the band had been performing live for a while. A mere two years on, Muse re-emerged with both a sharper focus вЂ“ and sharper teeth. Contemporary reviews of 1999вЂ™s Showbiz heavily emphasised Matt BellamyвЂ™s vocal similarity to Thom Yorke, and were hasty to write them off as Radiohead-wannabes (a perception underlined by the fact it was helmed by The BendsВ producer, John Leckie).Д¬ritical uncertainty aside, ShowbizВ sold moderately well and, for many of those who listened, the debutвЂ™s grounding in small-town malaise and hormonal obsession was relatable while others recognised the precocious talent of the 21-year-old Bellamy as both inventive guitarist and virtuoso pianist. MuseвЂ™s gargantuan ambitions were first clearly revealed on 2001вЂ™s Origin of Symmetry, their second record following the muted and somewhat confused reception that met their debut. READ MORE: The Genius OfвЂ¦ Achtung Baby by U2.Though many of MuseвЂ™s more ostentatious recent records have been divisive, the bandвЂ™s international fame and ever-swelling fanbase attest to a formula that works. Dip anywhere into the bandвЂ™s seven successive records and youвЂ™ll typically find yourself immersed in nightmarish dystopian visions, state mind-control, the second law of thermodynamics or virtual reality, usually married to effect-saturated, idiosyncratic arrangements. In the 22 years since their uncertain, angst-ridden debut, ShowbizВ (1999), MuseвЂ™s concerns have widened considerably.

The breathtaking spectacle of MuseвЂ™s 2019 Simulation Theory tour, replete with two stage wings, catwalks, huge LED screens, dancers, and even a towering inflatable puppet is indicative of the scale of the Devon-hailing trioвЂ™s success.

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