Matthew Bellamy - Ruler Of The Riff

Guitar Gods
2009 (London : Flame Tree Publishing)

Twenty-first century guitar god Matthew Bellamy first took up piano lessons as a boy before turning to the guitar, equally inspired by Ray Charles and classical music. In the mid-Nineties, Bellamy formed Muse with Chris Wolstenholme (bass) and Dominic Howard (drums). The band served their apprenticeship through constant gigging while soaking up more influences, notably Jeff Buckley and Radiohead. After an independently released EP. Muse signed a major deal in 1998. Debut album Showbiz (1999) marked them as a band with potential crossover appeal to fans of indie, metal and prog rock. Origin Of Symmetry (2001) was a more expansive collection, and Bellamy's riff from 'Plug in Baby' has been hailed as one of the greatest of all time. Absolution (2003) developed the classical influences, and Bellamy's lyrical themes of Armageddon, conspiracy and corruption were further explored on Black Holes and Revelations (2006). Bellamy and Muse took control of production for The Resistance (2009), which built upon Bellamy's classical infatuation. 

Bellamy uses guitars made by Manson of Exeter, principally a silver model that he helped design. Among its customized features is a built-in fuzzbox, through which he achieves his unique sound. He has also played a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson SG, a Les Paul and a Yamaha Pacifica. 

DATE OF BIRTH
9 June 1978

PLACE OF BIRTH
Cambridge, England

GENRES
Rock, Alternative Rock, Progressive Rock, Classical 

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