Muse’s Matt Bellamy Reflects on ’00s Guitar Rock and Encounters with Jack White & Albert Hammond Jr: “Fuck! We’re Still Here!”

Matt Bellamy reminisces on the ’00s guitar rock scene and shares his surprise meeting with Jack White and Albert Hammond Jr, celebrating their lasting presence in music.

A Blast from the Past: Matt Bellamy on the ’00s Guitar Rock Era

If you grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, you probably remember that whirlwind of guitar-fueled music scenes clashing and colliding. Matt Bellamy, the iconic frontman of Muse, recently took a moment to look back at that era, sharing some candid thoughts about how he and his band fit—or didn’t fit—into the music landscape of the time.

Talking about Muse’s early days, Bellamy points out three dominant musical forces back then: the tail end of Britpop, the rise of American nu-metal, and the fresh burst of retro rock 'n' roll spearheaded by bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes. Reflecting on this, Bellamy said:

“There were three things going on back then: the end of Britpop, nu-metal in America, and then the new exciting thing was The Strokes, The White Stripes, that retro rock ‘n’ roll thing. We didn’t fit in with any of those things – and that, in hindsight, was a blessing really.”

It's fascinating to hear how Muse, despite not slotting neatly into any of these scenes, managed to carve out their own niche and find an audience. Bellamy’s observation that “finding an audience without being part of a trend is amazing” feels like a badge of honor. He adds:

“We are the definition of alternative, and I’m very, very happy about that. We’ve never been in fashion enough that when the limelight moves away from you, you’re just finished.”

That sense of standing apart, not chasing trends but rather forging their own path, is something many fans—including myself—have always admired about Muse. Their music never felt like it was chasing the charts; it was about something bigger and deeper.

Coachella 2026: A Reunion of ’00s Guitar Titans

Fast forward to 2026, and Bellamy found himself backstage at Coachella, rubbing shoulders with two other guitar legends from the same era: Jack White and Albert Hammond Jr from The Strokes. The moment sparked a joyful realization of their enduring presence in a music world that often forgets its own history.

Bellamy shared the excitement of the meeting:

“I was just backstage chatting to them and I went, ‘Fuck, we’re still here!’ We were like, ‘We’re the guitarists from the 2000s! We did it!’ It was so cool. Maybe there was a bit of a scene back then, but it was defined by being a little bit alternative to the mainstream.”

That’s a powerful reminder that the ’00s guitar scene was more than just fleeting style—it was about a raw, alternative energy that still resonates today. Bellamy also admitted how glad he was that Muse never quite fit in back in their early days.

When asked about the idea of forming a supergroup, humorously dubbed a “crazy modern shredding version of the Travelling Wilburys” with White and Hammond Jr, Bellamy laughed it off:

“Ha! No, because they would embarrass me with how good they are!”

That playful humility speaks volumes. He even acknowledged Jack White's prowess as a lead guitarist, conceding:

“I think so. He’s a real lead guitarist. In every song, he’s doing pretty busy solos. Solos were something I was trying to push down a little bit. I feel like when we first came up, the guitar solo was already an embarrassing thing to do. If anything, I would say that Jack White brought it back. I’m a singer as well, so I’ve never been totally driven by being technical on the guitar. There might be a couple of things that I can do, but if it comes to blues then he’s going to kill me!”

That’s a confession many fans might find endearing—here’s a frontman who knows his strengths but gracefully bows to the mastery of his peers.

Jack White and Muse's Matt Bellamy share a moment backstage at Coachella 2026.

’The Wow! Signal’: A New Chapter for Muse

Bellamy’s reflections come alongside the release of Muse’s 10th studio album, The Wow! Signal, which dropped on June 26, 2026. This album marks something special for the band, a return to spacey, expansive sounds with a fresh vigor. Bellamy opened up about the personal struggles that inspired much of the record, sharing how music became a lifeline once again.

He also revealed some ambitious plans for Muse’s 2026 UK and European arena tour. And get this—they’re aiming to build an actual spaceship stage setup for the tour. Bellamy joked about the cost:

“The quote came in and it’s more expensive than some of these houses [in Primrose Hill], and that’s saying something around here.”

The scale of Muse’s vision is as grand as ever, promising fans an unforgettable live experience. Bellamy’s enthusiasm shines through, and as someone who’s seen Muse live multiple times, I can say they never disappoint when it comes to blending epic music with jaw-dropping visuals.

Muse continues to push boundaries with their 2026 tour plans and new album.

Musical Wisdom from Legends and a Bright Future

Matt Bellamy also mentioned some words of wisdom he’s picked up from rock royalty like Chris Martin of Coldplay and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones. Their guidance helped him navigate Muse’s evolution and personal challenges, reaffirming the band’s commitment to keep making music.

Bellamy confidently stated that Muse still has “another good 10 years left in us,” which feels like a promise to fans worldwide. With their recent North American tour alongside Bloc Party and The Temper Trap, and the upcoming UK dates kicking off in Manchester and then London’s O2 Arena, it’s clear Muse isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Their new era kicked off with an intimate April gig at Brixton Academy, where they debuted the track ‘Cryogen’ live—later released as a single—along with the lead track ‘Be With You.’ Critics have praised The Wow! Signal as Muse’s best album in 20 years, calling it a consistent and satisfying return to form reminiscent of their Black Holes & Revelations heyday.

Wrapping It Up: Still Standing Strong

There’s something truly inspiring about watching musicians like Matt Bellamy, Jack White and Albert Hammond Jr continue to thrive decades after they first broke onto the scene. Their recent reunion backstage at Coachella reminds us all that true artistry—and the spirit of alternative guitar rock—never really goes out of style.

Bellamy’s reflections on the ’00s scene and his band’s journey highlight how staying true to yourself, even when you don’t fit neatly into the trends, can create a lasting legacy.

FAQ

• How did Muse fit into the ’00s guitar rock scene?
  Muse didn’t fit into the main trends of the era like Britpop, nu-metal, or the retro rock wave. Their unique style helped them carve out an alternative niche that contributed to their longevity.
• Who did Matt Bellamy recently meet backstage at Coachella?
  Bellamy bumped into Jack White and Albert Hammond Jr from The Strokes, leading to a joyful realization about their continued presence in music.
• What is Muse’s 2026 arena tour planning?
  Muse plans to create a spaceship-themed stage setup for their 2026 UK and European arena tour, promising a spectacular live experience.
• What inspired Muse’s album The Wow! Signal?
  The album draws from Bellamy’s personal struggles and a renewed passion for music, resulting in a space rock sound that has been well-received by critics.
• How does Matt Bellamy view guitar solos today?
  Bellamy sees guitar solos as somewhat out of fashion during Muse’s early years but acknowledges Jack White’s role in bringing them back with his busy, blues-infused solos.

If you’re as inspired by Muse’s enduring spirit and iconic imagery as I am, why not bring that vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at Architeg Prints and keep the music alive on your walls.