Riffs and jams
These may be included within set-lists by using various templates, which are listed here.
0123
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | 0123 |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 29th August 2003 - |
A heavy yet simple riff.
The riff got its name after the fret positions of what Matt is playing on his guitar in this riff (0 being open fret and 1, 2 and 3 being first, second and third guitar fret positions). It was usually played after Stockholm Syndrome or just before the mentioned song, and it's been played ever since it's maiden performance after it's official release in 2003.
0305030 / Early Psycho 01
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | 0305030 / Early Psycho 01 |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 10th November 1999 - 19th April 2014 ; (Presently in Psycho) |
The riff got its name after the fret positions of what Matt is playing on his guitar in this riff (0 meaning open string, 3 and 5 meaning 3rd fret and 5th fret of his guitar). The riff was usually played either after Stockholm Syndrome or Map of the Problematique, but has also appeared at least twice as an outro to The Small Print, and at least once after Agitated in place of its usual outro.
Since 2015, the riff is featured in one of Muse's songs, Psycho, from their 2015 album Drones, and is no longer played standalone.
Adagio for Strings
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Adagio for Strings |
| Artist | Samuel Barber |
| Writer/composer | Samuel Barber |
| Appearance | 9th April 2011 |
Adagio for Strings is a classical piece written by Samuel Barber in 1936. Muse took inspiration from it on Interlude (pre-Hysteria song). It is featured on Absolution and is played before Hysteria on each concert since the start of The Resistance tour. It features heavily distorted, delayed and reverberant bass and guitar.
As the two songs sounds similar, Muse played a tiny snippet of Adagio for Strings before transfering into Interlude on the 2011 Sao Paolo gig when they were supporting U2.
Adagio in G minor
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Adagio in G minor |
| Artist | Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni |
| Writer/composer | Remo Giazotto |
| Appearance | 28th June 2006 - 28th August 2011 |
Adagio in G minor was composed by Remo Giazotto based on Albinoni's Sonata in G minor. A fragment of the Sonata was found admist the ruins of the Saxon State Library in Dresden, Germany, after being bombed by the Allies in World War II.[1] While the piece was not actually written by Albinoni, it is commonly attributed to him.
Adagio in G Minor was played as a short jam before Time Is Running Out on the earlier half of the 2006 tour. This arrangement featured Bellamy's Kaoss Pad, with Wolstenholme playing single notes on delayed bass. No drums were used.
The riff/intro made it's return when Matt got his doubleneck Manson guitar in 2010. He played this as in the intro to Resistance on the top neck. An example of it can be seen in the footage of Resistance at Glastonbury 2010. The piece was transposed to A minor, the key of Resistance, for live performances.
Aegukga (South Korean National Anthem)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Aegukga (애국가) |
| Artist | Ahn Eak-tai |
| Writer/composer | Ahn Eak-tai |
| Appearance | 17th August 2013 |
Aegukga (애국가), often translated as The Patriotic Song, is the national anthem of South Korea. The lyrics were written by an unknown author in 1896 (presumed to be either Yun Chi-ho or Ahn Changho, both were political activicts at the time), while the music was written by Ahn Eak-tai. The anthem was adopted in 1948, the year the country was formed.
The lyrics of Aegukga were originally set to the music of Auld Lang Syne, before Ahn Eak-tai wrote the composition specifically for the anthem in 1935 (hence why it's similar to Auld Lang Syne at times).
Aegukga has four verses, but on most occasions only the first one, followed by the chorus, is sung when performed publicly on events.
Bellamy played the anthem as an intro Hysteria at the 2013 Hyundai Card Super Concert in Seoul, South Korea.
All Apologies
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | All Apologies |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Writer/composer | Nirvana |
| Appearance | 2022-10-14, 2023-04-18 |
All Apologies is a song by Nirvana, released as the final song on their last album, In Utero, in September 1993.
Matt played a snippet of the intro before We Are Fucking Fucked in Toronto during the Will of the People Theatre Tour in 2022. He also played it in Seattle, during the Will of the People World Tour in 2023.
Ashamed outro
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ashamed outro |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 5th January 2000 - 1st July 2023 |
The Ashamed outro riff was played quite frequently, and presumably it's the Muse riff that appeared in most songs through its history, up to 5. First as a Showbiz outro between 2000 and 2002 (and for Muscle Museum in few promotional gigs). In 2000 as a part of the song itself, obviously. After 2003 it was include mostly in the New Born outros riffage, and eventually in the Stockholm Syndrome one too.
With Showbiz's return in 2017, this riff was used as an outro to most performances of the song going forward, including its surprise performance at Rock Werchter in 2023.
Asturias
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Asturias (Leyenda) |
| Artist | Isaac Albéniz |
| Writer/composer | Isaac Albéniz |
| Appearance | 13 August 2008 - 20th May 2011 |
Asturias (Leyenda), is a musical piece composed by Spanish composer and pianist Isaac Albéniz. The piece was originally written for the piano in the key of G minor and was first published in 1892 as a prelude to a three-movement set called Chants d'Espagne. The name Asturias and it's subtitle Leyenda was given to it posthumously by German classical music publisher Friedrich Hofmeister in 1911. Despite the name, the music isn't considered suggestive of the folk music in the Spanish region of Asturias. The subtitle, Leyenda, stands for Legend.
First appearing at Dublin's Marlay Park 2008 gig, it was used as an intro to Time Is Running Out. It was last played in 2011.
Back in Black
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Back In Black |
| Artist | AC/DC |
| Writer/composer | Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young |
| Appearance | 12th March 2010 - |
The very popular guitar riff from the song Back in Black by AC/DC from their seventh studio album of the same name, released in 1980. It was produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange.
Since 2010, the riff is commonly played after Hysteria.
Muse have also played a full cover of the song a few times. In 2010, they played it with Nic Cester on vocals at a series of Big Day Out Festival concerts between January 22nd and January 31st and again at the San Siro gig on June 8th. In 2017, they played the full song again with Brian Johnson himself at Reading Festival. More on the song itself here.
Blue Orchid
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Blue Orchid |
| Artist | The White Stripes |
| Writer/composer | Jack White |
| Appearance | 16th July 2015 |
Song by well-known US rock duo The White Stripes, consisting of Jack White and Meg White, from the album Get Behind Me Satan released in May 2005. it is the first track and single from the album.
A snippet of Blue Orchid was played before The Groove in at Festival Des Vieilles Charrues in 2015.
Blue Valentines
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Blue Valentines |
| Artist | Tom Waits |
| Writer/composer | Tom Waits |
| Appearance | 21st September 2007 |
Blue Valentines is a calm and simple song by Tom Waits from the 1978 album Blue Valentine. It features a well known blues-like guitar melody.
Matt first played a snipped of it in the Olaïve Interview in 1999 on an acoustic guitar. This guitar phrase/melody made it's first live appearance in 2007 before Time Is Runing Out with Whole Lotta Love and Jimmy Jam.
Bombtrack
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bombtrack |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 12th April 2008 |
Bombtrack is a song by American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine from their self-titled debut album, released in June of 1993. It is perhaps most known for it's intro riff which originally features guitar and bass playing a staccato scale.
A short snippet of it on guitar was played as an outro to Bliss together with Whole Lotta Love at the Royal Albert Hall gig in 2008.
Varation of the riff was also used in the chorus of Reapers.
Bored
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bored |
| Artist | Deftones |
| Writer/composer | Deftones |
| Appearance | 28th September 2010, 30 July 2011 |
Song by Deftones, American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California. It is the first track on their 1995 album Adrenaline. The song's riff features palm muted guitar.
The riff was played in 2010 during The Resistance tour at the Sacramento gig on September 28th and in 2011 at Reading Festival, before Stockholm Syndrome.
Born of a Broken Man
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Born of a Broken Man |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 10th May 2022 |
A well-known song by Rage Against the Machine from their 1999 album, The Battle of Los Angeles, the Born of a Broken Man intro/verse guitar lick was played by Matt before Assassin on the London Eventim Apollo gig on May 10th, 2022.
Bulls on Parade
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bulls on Parade |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 8th April 2001 |
Bulls on Parade is a song by Rage Against the Machine from the 1996 album Evil Empire.
The snippet of the song was only played once, at Nottingham Rock City in 2001, before Hate This & I'll Love You.
Burning Bridges (aka Irish riff)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Burning Bridges |
| Artist | Status Quo |
| Writer/composer | Francis Rossi |
| Appearance | August 22nd 2006 - 16th July 2017 |
This riff is from the song "Burning Bridges" by Status Quo from the album Ain't Complaining released in 1988.
The riff was occasionally played before Plug In Baby during the Black Holes and Revelations and The Resistance tours. It made a return after nearly 6 years in 2015, when it was played at Manchester Academy before Supermassive Black Hole together with the Voodoo Child riff, (watch) and a year later, when it was played before Time Is Running Out at Paléo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland on July 19th, 2016, before returning back to the pre-Time Is Running Out slot at a few gigs in 2017.
The riff was first played live at the Eden Project on August 22nd 2006 (watch) and last played at the Festival d'été de Québec in Canada on July 16th, 2017.
Calm Like a Bomb
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Calm Like a Bomb |
| Artist | Rage Against The Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against The Machine |
| Appearance | 9th May 2022 - |
Calm Like a Bomb is a song by Rage Against The Machine, from the 1999 album "The Battle of Los Angeles", known for its bass intro solo, while also having well-recognisable verse and chorus riffs.
The Calm Like a Bomb riff was first played by Muse at the end of Stockholm Syndrome on May 9th, 2022, at London's Eventim Apollo charity gig, in support of Will of the People. The only difference between Muse's riff and RATM's original is the tuning. It has been played regularly throughout 2022.
Cavern
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cavern riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 7th April 2022 - |
Originally mistakenly dubbed “Apollo riff”. An unknown heavy riff that was first played after Psycho at the secret Exeter Cavern gig in April 2022. After the riff was heard publicly at the Eventim Apollo a month later, it was speculated to be the riff to Kill or Be Killed, or another heavy song, off of the then upcoming album Will of the People. However, this turned out to not be the case with it not being present on the album. It bears similarities to the heavy riff from Fury.
The Apollo riff has so far been played after Psycho and Map of the Problematique, but has also made one appearance being played after Stockholm Syndrome.
Cherub Rock
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cherub Rock |
| Artist | Smashing Pumpkins |
| Writer/composer | Billy Corgan |
| Appearance | 9th December 2018, 12th April 2019, 25th February 2023 |
A song by American rock band Smashing Pumpkins from their second album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993. The song was written by Billy Corgan and produced by Butch Vig. The song is regarded as one of their classics (as is the album on which it's on).
Muse played the riff of this song on two occasions, at the 2018 Aragon Ballroom, the 2019 United Center and the 2023 United Center gigs, all in Chicago, where Smashing Pumpkins are from.
Close Encounters
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Close Encounters |
| Artist | John Williams |
| Writer/composer | John Williams |
| Appearance | June 16th 2007 - |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
The riff comes from the synth motif used to contact extraterrestrial life in the 1977 Steven Spielberg film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. (watch)
First appearing during the Black Holes and Revelations tour in 2007 (first clip), it was sometimes played as a gig intro before Knights of Cydonia. It made its debut during the first night at the 2007 Wembley Stadium gig and was played often between 2007 and 2008.
The 2007 riff returned in 2017 during the North American Summer Amphitheatre Tour, but this time it was played before Supermassive Black Hole. The Wembley version was played often up until 2019, when for the Simulation Theory World Tour, the band decided to also include a synth with the guitar, so the two passed the motif between them (second clip).
DMV
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | DMV |
| Artist | Primus |
| Writer/composer | Primus |
| Appearance | 28th January 2013 |
DMV is a song written by Primus from their 1993 album Pork Soda. The riff (played on bass) puts heavy emphasis on tapping.
Matt played a short section of this riff amidst the end of Supermassive Black Hole at the 2013 Oakland gig, during The 2nd Law tour in USA. He played homage to Primus and their frontman Les Claypool, who was at the concert that day.
Duality
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Duality |
| Artist | Slipknot |
| Writer/composer | Slipknot |
| Appearance | 4th June 2022 - 23rd January 2023 |
"Duality" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot from their 2004 album "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)". It is regarded as one of their classic songs. The main riff of the song was played by Muse live quite regularly after Stockholm Syndrome, Map of the Problematique and Won't Stand Down during the festival tour in 2022, and made two additional appearances in Mexico in January 2023. Matt would occasionally sing a rough approximation of the chorus vocals during this riff.
Early Neutron Star Collision
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Early Neutron Star Collision |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 22nd November 2003, 2nd April 2010 ; (Presently in Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)) |
The piece is very similar in tempo and pace to Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. II however it is fully written by Bellamy.
The short piece was, in 2010, used as the piano outro to Muse's Twilight Compilation song, Neutron Star Collision.
Early Psycho 02
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Early Psycho 02 |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | December 15th 2012 - January 12th 2013 |
This riff was played for the first time in 2012 in Hamburg and last played in 2013 in Japan. All times, the riff was played before Liquid State.
The riff was later used on a song called Psycho, from Muse's 2015 album Drones, where it's used in the verses.
It bears resemblance to The Doors's song Roadhouse Blues.
Early Stockholm Syndrome
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Early Stockholm Syndrome |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 2002 -June 19th 2010 |
This riff was played for the first time in 2002 as part of an instrumental demo of Stockholm Syndrome which features two main riffs : the one that became the infamous main riff of the final song, and this one you can listen above. It was played a few times before Stockholm Syndrome, notably during The Resistance Tour, sometime sped up but with the same chord progression and pattern.
Early We Are Fucking Fucked
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Early We Are Fucking Fucked |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 2006 |
The improv lick first appeared some time in 2006 (exact date unknown), as noted by the audio from the gig in Toulouse's Zenith, in France. It appeared before Assassin.
Despite it not making much appearances, Bellamy remembered it and brought it back 16 years later, in 2022, using it in the verses of We Are Fucking Fucked.
Early Will of the People
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Early Will of the People |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | May 26th 2019 - 15th October 2019 |
A very early rendition of what later became the verse/pre-chorus riff for the song Will of the People, played exclusively during the Simulation Theory Tour in 2019.
The riff itself was played in lower key than the riff which is featured in the song. It also has a slightly modified structure.
El Scorcho
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | El Scorcho |
| Artist | Weezer |
| Writer/composer | Weezer |
| Appearance | 26th October 2010 |
El Scorcho is a song written by Weezer from their second album Pinkerton.
Matt played a very short part of the guitar riff live in Raleigh, in 2010.
Endless Nameless
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Endless Nameless |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Writer/composer | Nirvana |
| Appearance | 30th November 2004 - 9th March 2023 |
Endless Nameless is a song by American rock band Nirvana. It was featured on the original pressing of Nevermind and on later pressing it was included as it's hidden track. The song features heavily distorted guitars and bass and is pretty much based on improv and amp feedback noises, with the only real constant thing being the verses.
The riff was slightly adapted by Muse. It was played faster, with a slightly different drum beat, but the basis remained the same. Chris usually down-tuned his bass and put on a lot of fuzz, and lots of Kaoss pad noises by Morgan were used during the riff. It also bears resemblance to the Low Tune Riff.
Muse started playing the riff in 2004. It became a regular during the second half of The Resistance tour and was played up until 2011. It later made a return in 2015 and was played a couple of times after Stockholm Syndrome until 2017 where it was last played at the BlizzCon 2017 gig. The riff was usually played as a closer before the encore songs, mostly after Stockholm Syndrome.
It made no appearance until the Toronto gig in 2023.
Enter Sandman
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Enter Sandman |
| Artist | Metallica |
| Writer/composer | James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich |
| Appearance | 14th April 2010, 9th March 2019 |
Probably one of the most known songs written by Metallica, released as the first single from the self-titled 1991 album.
Matt played a short section of the main riff of the song on his guitar in 2010. It was played again at a couple gigs in 2018 and 2019.
Entrance of the Gladiators
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Entrance of the Gladiators / Thunder and Blazes |
| Artist | Louis-Phillipe Laurendeau |
| Writer/composer | Julius Fučík |
| Appearance | 24th August 2002 - 23rd November 2007 |
Entrance of the Gladiators Op. 68 or Entry of the Gladiators is a military march composed in 1897 by the Czech composer Julius Fučík. It was originally called Grande Marche Chromatique as it heavily used chromatic scales throughout the piece. It was, in 1901, rearranged for American wind bands by Canadian composer Louis-Phillipe Laurendeau under the title Thunder and Blazes, published by American publisher Carl Fischer. At this period, this march also started gaining popularity as a screamer (upbeat circus march) for circuses. Following that, Laurendeau's version was also transcribed for fairground organs.
The riff was played at a few gigs between 2002 and 2007.
Étude No. 7
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Étude No. 7 |
| Artist | Heitor Villa-Lobos |
| Writer/composer | Heitor Villa-Lobos |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown), 29th June 2022 |
Étude No. 7 is a study written by Brazillian composer, conductor, cellist, pianist and guitarist Heitor Villa-Lobos. It is one of his twelve études for classical guitar, first published by Max Eschg in Paris in 1953. The first performance of this étude was in 1947 by virtuoso Spanish classical guitarist Andrés Segovia in Massachusetts. The piece is written in E-Major.
A piece of this song was performed by Bellamy in 2001. It's very likely that this song inspired Bedroom Acoustics. A snippet of the song was performed before Nishe in Athens in 2022.
Étude Op. 10, No. 1
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Étude Op. 10, No. 1 |
| Artist | Frédéric Chopin |
| Writer/composer | Frédéric Chopin |
| Appearance | 16th January 2007 - 6th August 2007 |
Étude Op. 10, No. 1 in C Major is a study for solo piano composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1829. First published in 1833 in France, Germany and Poland it was the first piece of his Études Op. 10. This study focuses on stretching the fingers of the right hand. Piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz stated that he refuses to perform this étude in public, saying that it is the most difficult of all the études.
It was played on piano as an intro to Sunburn probably due to the fact that the song was inspired by Chopin himself. It appeared a few times in 2007 notably in Tokyo in March, in London and Paris in June and in New York in August.
Étude Op. 25, No. 12
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Étude Op. 25, No. 12 (Ocean Étude) |
| Artist | Frédéric Chopin |
| Writer/composer | Frédéric Chopin |
| Appearance | 11th August 2001, 29th October 2001 |
Étude Op. 25, No. 12 in C-Minor is the last of Chopin's formal piano studies. It was dedicated to À Madame la Comtesse d'Agoult (Marie d'Agoult - Franco-Roman author and historian also known by her pen name Daniel Stern). It was first published in 1837 in French, German and English editions. In the first (French) edition, the time signature is 4/4 but recent editions of this piece follow the German editions which indicate cut time. The work features a series of rising and falling piano arpeggios and chord progressions. The Étude has also been given a nickname, the "Ocean", not given by Chopin himself but by others after him.
The piece was played by Bellamy in 2001, before Sunburn. In 2019, this piece was also used as the melody for the chorus of Blockades from Simulation Theory.
Études Simples No. 6
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Études Simples No. 6 |
| Artist | Leo Brouwer |
| Writer/composer | Leo Brouwer |
| Appearance | 16th June 2007, 24th October 2009 , 8th June 2010 |
Composed by Cuban composer, guitarist and conductor Leo Brouwer as part of his series of studies called Études Simples.
Études Simples No. 6 was first played by Bellamy at the 1999 Olaïve Interview. The first time this short snippet was played live was at the Wembley Stadium gigs in 2007 when it played before Unintended.
Execution Commentary
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Execution Commentary |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 12th July 1999 (first known) - 23rd September 2023 |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
Despite being a full song, it was never played live as whole. However, the riff was often used live as an instrumental outro after either Showbiz or Stockholm Syndrome, or as part of a number of similar outros. The first known one was played after Agitated. The riff played is the opening from the song, not the outro.
Heard in the first audio clip is the performance of the Execution Commentary riff played live at Paris's MCM Café in 1999. The second audio clip features one of the recent performances of the riff, played at The Mayan Theater in Los Angeles, in 2015.
Foxey Lady
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Foxey Lady |
| Artist | The Jimi Hendrix Experience |
| Writer/composer | Jimi Hendrix |
| Appearance | 4th June 2022 - |
"Foxy Lady", alternatively also "Foxey Lady", regarded as one of the most well known rock songs, featuring the distinct and classic "Hendrix" riff, is a song, written by Jimi Hendrix, and performed by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. It was released in 1967 and is from the album "Are You Experienced".
The riff was played after Supermassive Black Hole in 2022.
Freedom
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Freedom |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 4th April 2001 - 9th December 2018 |
Freedom is a song by Rage Against the Machine from their self-titled 1994 album.
The riff was first played in 2001. It has since then been played quite often as an outro, mostly to Drop D.
The riff was most frequently played between 2012 and 2014 on The 2nd Law Tour, as a closing outro before the encore, after Stockholm Syndrome, with Matt also singing the line 'Freedom' on a couple of gigs (as heard on the audio clip above, from their Austin City Limits Festival gig).
Since 2014, the riff has made a few appearances up until 2018.
Glasgow Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Glasgow Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Chris Wolstenholme, Dom Howard |
| Appearance | 9th November 2009, 18th April 2016 |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
Named after Glasgow, the only city this jam has been played in (and the obvious Scottish flare it has with the bagpipes), it is a rendition of Helsinki Jam, played in a lower key together with bagpipes, played by a kilted bagpiper named Count Taylor (Tom Kirk's brother), who was standing on another of the three podiums. The 2009 Pro-Shot video of the performance was released by Muse as a 2009 Christmas Present (first clip).
The 2016 performance of it featured a slight variaton on the bass riff of the first one, allthough it retained the song structure (second clip).
Glastonbury riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Glastonbury riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 27th June 2004 - 29th September 2023 |
This riff was named Glastonbury Riff because it was played (most likely) for the very first time at the Glastonbury gig in 2004.
The riff made a couple of appearances again in 2017. It was played again with the return of Butterflies & Hurricanes in 2023.
On all the instances, it was played before Butterflies & Hurricanes, with an exception on Quart Festival 2006 when it was played before Showbiz.
God Save the Queen
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | God Save the Queen / God Save the King |
| Artist | Unknown |
| Writer/composer | Unknown / John Bull |
| Appearance | 8th September 2022 |
"God Save the Queen", also called "God Save the King", depending on the reigning monarch's title, is the national anthem of most Commonwealth countries and realms. The author of the song remains unknown, however 17th century composer John Bull is sometimes credited as one. The song features perhaps of the most recognisable melodies of the World's anthems.
Similar to "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Aegukgka", "God Save the Queen" was played as a short snipped prior to Interlude during the gig at Xacobeo Festival, on September 8th, 2022, tributing Queen Elizabeth II, after her passing was announced the same day.
Guitar Noise
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Guitar Noise |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 22nd February 2019 - 15th October 2019 |
Guitar Noise was played as an improvisation piece, using pitch shifted delay effects with a guitar, during the Simulation Theory World Tour in 2019. Sometimes, the piece is a bit shorter, allthough the basis still remains the same. It is marked on the setlists simply as "Guitar Noise".
The riff is played over STT Interstitial 3, a short filler piece played on tape, and segways into Metal medley. During the performance, the arena is fully dark, which allows the crew to have enough time to set up and inflate Murph the Robot, while not letting the crowd wait in silence.
Hangar 18
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hangar 18 |
| Artist | Megadeth |
| Writer/composer | Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson, Nick Menza |
| Appearance | April 12th 2008 - 3rd April 2010 |
Hangar 18 is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth from their 1990 album Rust in Peace. The lyrics of the song are based on either the UFO conspiracy theories or the 1980 sci-fi action movie of the same name (Hangar 18), based on these theories.
An instrumental piece of the song was played for the first time at London Royal Albert Hall in April of 2008, before Stockholm Syndrome. It made a slight return in 2010, when it was played a couple of times during the US leg of The Resistance tour, before Stockholm Syndrome or Unnatural Selection.
Headup
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Headup |
| Artist | Deftones |
| Writer/composer | Deftones, Max Cavalera |
| Appearance | April 12th 2008 - October 15th 2019 |
Headup is a song by Sacramento-based alternative metal band Deftones from the 1997 album Around the Fur. It was written by Deftones and Max Cavalera, Brazillian singer, guitarist and songwriter from bands such as Sepultura and Soulfly.
An instrumental segment was first played as an outro to New Born for the 2008 Royal Albert Hall gig and then later at Rock in Rio 2008.
Since 2010, it has regularly been played as an outro to New Born, being played most of the times after the song. At the 2019 Sacramento gig, an extended version of the riff was played as a tribute to Deftones.
Heartbreaker
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Heartbreaker |
| Artist | Led Zeppelin |
| Writer/composer | Led Zeppelin |
| Appearance | 12th June 2004 - |
Heartbreaker is a song from English rock band Led Zeppelin, from their 1969 album, Led Zeppelin II. The guitar features probably one of the most known classic guitar riffs.
The riff was sometimes played before Butterflies & Hurricanes or Time Is Running Out such as at Glastonbury Festival 2004 (watch).
A slightly modified version was co-opted into the collaborative song Who Knows Who with The Streets, the heavy riff of which is also performed live. The riff made a return in 2022, when it was played after Supermassive Black Hole in London's Eventim Apollo on May 9th.
Helsinki Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Helsinki Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Chris Wolstenholme, Dom Howard |
| Appearance | October 22nd 2009 - 24th February 2018 |
The second ever drum and bass jam and a follow-up to Osaka Jam. Similar to all the drum and bass jams, dubbed by the fans after it's first appearance on the first gig of The Resistance Tour in Helsinki, the Helsinki Jam is a re-occurring Drum and Bass jam in The Resistance Tour. It is similar to the Osaka Jam and was often played before Undisclosed Desires
During the performance of the jam during The Resistance's arena tour, Chris stands on Dom's rising, spinning podium of the three-towered stage design.(watch).
Helsinki Jam also has a modified version, the Glasgow Jam, which was played at the 2010 and 2016 Glasgow gigs and featured an additional bagpipe player, Count Taylor, standing on another of the three podiums.
The jam made it's surprise and (so far) final appearance at the Paris by-request show in February of 2018, almost seven years after it was last played.
More info about the live performances here.
Houston Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Houston Jam / Frankenstein Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | February 22nd 2019 - 3rd October 2019 |
The most recent of the drum and bass jams, named after, like other drum and bass jams, by Houston, the city it was first performed in. The jam's also commonly reffered to as "Frankenstein Jam", as it's a mashup of three riffs; Futurism, Unnatural Selection and Micro Cuts. It was played during the Simulation Theory Tour in 2019, before Take a Bow.
The effects that Chris uses on this jam are similar to Mike Kerr's from Royal Blood, sounding like bass and guitar playing together, with the "guitar" coming in and out throughout the jam. This way, the jam sounds like it has all three of them playing together, when it's just drums and bass. Live info here.
How I Could Just Kill a Man
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | How I Could Just Kill a Man |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Cypress Hill |
| Appearance | 8th April 2001 |
How I Could Just Kill a Man is originally a song by hip hop group Cypress Hill from their debut self-titled album released in 1990. The song was covered and features Cypres Hill themselves in 2000 by Rage Against the Machine and it features on their cover album Renegades.
The riff of the RATM version was played at the Nottingham Rock City gig in 2001 before Unintended.
Il Mercenario (L'Arena)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Il Mercenario (L'Arena) |
| Artist | Ennio Morricone |
| Writer/composer | Ennio Morricone |
| Appearance | 6th March 2010 - 27th May 2010 |
Il Mercenario (L'Arena) is the main theme song for Sergio Corbucci's Spaghetti Western, The Mercenary, composed by Ennio Morricone. In the first half, the song features a whistling man, sound effects representing revolver shoot-outs and a slow string melody. In the second half, when the trumpet joins, it evolves into a slow marching song.
The whistling part was played by Matt during a couple of gigs during the US leg of The Resistance tour in 2010 as an intro to Time Is Running Out or Starlight. It can be heard in the clip above, from the Seattle KeyArena gig.
The riff is also dubbed by fans as 'The Whistle Boy riff' and sometimes even 'The Globalist intro', as a variation on this song was also used in The Globalist from the 2015 album Drones.
Immigrant Song
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Immigrant Song |
| Artist | Led Zeppelin |
| Writer/composer | Jimmy Page, Robert Plant |
| Appearance | 8th April 2019, 10th April 2019 |
A 1970 song by Led Zeppelin from their third album, Led Zeppelin III. The song was written during Led Zeppelin's tour of Iceland, Bath and Germany in 1970. The opening date of the tour in Reykjavik inspired vocalist Robert Plant to write the lyrics. Six days later, the band performed the song for the first time in Bath, England.
Muse played the intro riff before Time Is Running Out at two consecutive dates in New York and Boston in April of 2019.
I Want to Break Free
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | I Want to Break Free |
| Artist | Queen |
| Writer/composer | John Deacon |
| Appearance | June 7th 2006 - July 16th 2008 |
I Want to Break Free is one of the most known songs by English rock band Queen, written by former bassist John Deacon. It featured in the 1984 album The Works and features emphasis on 80s synth and drum machines. It also features a thick fuzzy guitar solo.
A rough I Want to Break Free jam was occasionally played before Knights of Cydonia (Such as here) during the Black Holes and Revelations tour between 2006 and 2008.
Additionally, the Knights of Cydonia music video pays tribute to the video of I Want to Break Free, with Bellamy's arm gestures echoing those of Freddie Mercury.
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jerry Was a Race Car Driver |
| Artist | Primus |
| Writer/composer | Primus |
| Appearance | 6th August 2011, 28th January 2013 |
Jerry Was a Race Car Driver is a song written by Primus from the 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese. It is regarded as one of Primus's classic songs.
Bellamy played the riff at Kansrocksas festival in 2011, followed by a short take at DMV (also by Primus). The riff was played again at Oakland's Oracle Arena in 2013, as an outro to Supermassive Black Hole.
Jimmy Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jimmy Jam / Improv |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown) - 9th March 2019 |
Original Jimi Hendrix-inspired riff, occasionally played before or after "Cave" during Origin of Symmetry tour (eg. Saint-Malo Route du Rock 2001 (watch)). It got played more often during the Black Holes and Revelations tour before Time Is Running Out with more improvisation than before (eg. Seattle KeyArena 2007 (watch)). In the beginning of the Black Holes and Revelations tour, it was occasionally played before "Starlight" as well, but in a lower key (eg. Reading 2006 (watch)). It was played again on July the 5th 2010, as an outro to Time is Running Out at the band's premiere in the Czech Republic at the Rock For People Festival. It made a surprise return again in 2017 before Time is Running Out and another return in 2019 at the Oakland gig after Hysteria.
The name probably comes due to the similarity of it's bassline to that of Jimmy Kane. The main riff is also very similar to one in Jimi Hendrix's song Fire.
This piece is listed as "Improv" in the HAARP tracklist.
Just Like This
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Just Like This |
| Artist | Limp Bizkit |
| Writer/composer | Limp Bizkit |
| Appearance | 25th February 2023 - |
"Just Like This" is the second track off of Limp Bizkit's second album, "Significant Other", released in 1999. The same year, it was featured in a movie called "Big Daddy", starring Adam Sandler. It's a standard nu-metal song, featuring a heavy main riff and funky bass lines during the verses.
The riff of the song was played by Bellamy several times during the outro Supermassive Black Hole.
Kaoss Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaoss Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 10th April 2007 - 30th July 2011 |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
An instrumental drum and guitar jam making heavy use of the Kaoss Pad.
Two versions of this jam were played. The first version (first clip) was played at a few gigs in 2007. The newer, slightly modified (in terms of sounds) jam (second clip) was played at a number of festival gigs in 2010. Both times it was played as an intro to Supermassive Black Hole.
Killing in the Name
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Killing in the Name |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 10th November 2006 - 19th December 2010 |
Killing in the Name is a song written by band Rage Against the Machine. It appears on their 1991 eponymous self-titled debut album. The song and it's riff are regarded as one of their most classic ones.
The main riff has roughly been played live before Stockholm Syndrome by Bellamy for the first time during a couple dates of the Black Holes and Revelations European tour in 2006 and 2007. It then made another appearance in 2010 as an outro to Stockholm Syndrome during The Resistance tour in 2010.
Know Your Enemy
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Know Your Enemy |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 6th May 2018 - |
Know Your Enemy is a song written by Rage Against the Machine. It is from their self-titled 1991 debut album. The studio version of this song features Tool's vocalist Maynard James Keenan on vocals during the bridge section and Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins on additional percussion.
The main chorus riff was played by Muse occasionally as an outro to Hysteria since 2018, sometimes standalone, sometimes with the Back in Black riff.
Laura Palmer's Theme
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Laura Palmer's Theme |
| Artist | Angelo Badalamenti |
| Writer/composer | Angelo Badalamenti |
| Appearance | September 10th 2006 - 14th November 2007 |
Angelo Badalamenti's Laura Palmer's Theme is a slow anthemic song by American Brooklyn-based ambient and jazz composer Angelo Badalamenti (best known for his work with David Lynch). The song (and most of the original Twin Peaks soundtrack) features heavy focus on synth pads from late 80s/early 90s synthesizers such as Yamaha's DX7.
Bellamy occasionally played part of this piece as an intro to Sunburn in 2006 and 2007 such as at Nashville in 2006 or Seattle in 2007.
Comes from Bellamy's love of Twin Peaks. During the U.S. tour in Autumn of 2006, when Bellamy started playing this piece, Muse watched DVDs of the TV series on the tour bus. The original song can be heard here.
Low Tune riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Low Tune riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | December 14th 2006 - 28th November 2009 |
This riff is similar to the Endless Nameless riff (which also replaced this riff), but it features a different, faster-paced drum beat and a different guitar pattern.
Lots of guitar and bass distortion is used and lots of improv by both Matt and Chris is present. Kaoss pad and synth noises by Morgan also play a fairly big role in completing the sound.
Like the Endless Nameless riff, this riff was usually played as a closer before encores, usually played after Stockholm Syndrome.
Maggie's Farm
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Maggie's Farm |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Bob Dylan |
| Appearance | 2003 (Exact date unknown) - 9th February 2019 |
Maggie's Farm is a cover song by Rage Against the Machine from their 2000 cover album, Renegades, originally written and performed by Bob Dylan in 1965.
The main riff of this song was first played on the Absolution tour, usually before Citizen Erased. As of the Black Holes and Revelations tour, it's become a staple outro for Map of the Problematique. It was dropped from set lists during The 2nd Law Tour (where it was fully replaced by the Who Knows Who riff), but made a comeback during the Drones Tour in 2016 and was also played in 2017 occasionally again after Map of the Problematique. It also made a little surprise appearance in 2019 when they played (albeit roughly) it before Break It to Me at the Citi Sound Vault gig in Los Angeles on February 9th.
Man With a Harmonica
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Man With a Harmonica |
| Artist | Ennio Morricone |
| Writer/composer | Ennio Morricone |
| Appearance | August 13th 2008 - |
A piece written by Ennio Morricone for Sergio Leone's 1968 Spaghetti Western Once Upon a Time in the West. The song is also an opener to the Once Upon a Time in the West soundtrack, released in 1972. The song starts out with a simple harmonica line, followed by a rising arpeggiated horn and cimbalum line together with strings, which are then joined by a lead guitar line and drums for the climax.
The song is played almost exactly as the original by Muse as an intro to Knights of Cydonia at every gig ever since its first performance at Dublin's Marlay Park. Wolstenholme plays the harmonica, with Bellamy playing the guitar part.
Matt's Fun riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Matt's Fun riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 1999 - 2011 |
Matt's Fun riff is a short guitar riff played occasionally through the years (mostly during Black Holes and The Resistance eras). It was first played in this 1999 Olaïve Interview when the interviewer asked Matt what is he playing when he has fun. When asked where does it come from he answered that he just came up with it. The riff used to appear now and then when there is a little downtime between songs.
Microphone Fiend
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Microphone Fiend |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rakim and Eric B |
| Appearance | May 26th 2007 - 24th February 2018 |
Microphone Friend is a song originally written by hip hop duo Rakim and Eric B and appears on their 1988 album Follow the Leader. Rage Against the Machine covered the song for their 2000 cover album, Renegades. Rage's song features a heavy riff in the bridge section.
The riff was played occasionally by Muse as an instrumental outro, usually after New Born since the 2007 Luxembourg gig. Since Pinkpop 2007 the Ashamed outro has also appeared sometimes after the Microphone Fiend riff.
Misirlou
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Misirlou |
| Artist | Dick Dale and The Del-Tones |
| Writer/composer | Traditional |
| Appearance | 9th August 2007, 6th February 2013 |
Misirlou is a traditional folk song from the Eastern Mediterranean region, originating from the Ottoman Empire. The original author isn't known but it's supposed to be Arabic, Greek and Jewish musicians by the 1920s with the earliest recording of the song coming from 1927. The song was re-arranged in 1962 by American surf rock guitarist Dick Dale and was originally performed with his band, The Del-Tones. The song is also known for being in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 movie Pulp Ficiton, used in the opening titles. Dick's version was also an inspiration for The Beach Boys's version of Misirlou, recorded in 1963. The song is, like most surf rock songs, known for it's use of tremolo guitar picking.
The riff was first played by Bellamy in 2007, at the Fairfax Patriot Center in 2007, before Man of Mystery. It made another return in 2013 when it was played before Time Is Running Out in Vancouver.
MK Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | MK Jam / Wankdorf Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Chris Wolstenholme, Dom Howard |
| Appearance | 2nd June 2010 - 11th October 2010 |
First rehearsed at the Milton Keynes Bowl before the stadium leg of The Resistance Tour, it was initially dubbed the MK Jam but is also referred to as the Wankdorf Jam due to its public debut at the Wankdorf Stadium. It was played during The Resistance open-air tour.
It is the only drum and bass jam to feature electronic drums and was played before Undisclosed Desires. Because of that, it has got a disco-ey, metallic beat and a smooth bassline. It is also the only drum and bass jam with no pro-shot available, together with Houston Jam.
Montpellier Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Montpellier Jam / Monty Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 16th October 2012-13th December 2013 |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
Named Montpellier Jam or Monty Jam, after the first city it was played in. It is the first mellow drum and bass jam, which preceded a piano-based song during The 2nd Law tour in 2012 and 2013, most frequently Explorers, but it's also been played before United States of Eurasia, Sunburn and Feeling Good.
The song's also the first drum and bass jam to feature Bellamy, who's joining in with piano improv at the end of the jam, leading into the song played after it. The song also prominently features samples put through a Kaoss pad by Morgan. It bears similarity to Basique by Little People.
There are two versions of the jam, a longer version (first clip), which was played on the headlining tour, and a shorter version (second clip), which was usually played on festivals in 2013.
Munich Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Munich Jam / Varia Jam / Drones D&B |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Chris Wolstenholme, Dom Howard |
| Appearance | 29th May 2015 - 25th May 2018 |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
The Drones-era drum and bass jam. The name "Munich" comes from, as all the previous drum and bass jams, the city it was first played in, while the name "Varia" comes from "Rockavaria Festival", the festival it was first played in. On the setlists, it was named as "Drones D&B". Since it's first performance, the jam has gotten faster with each performance. Because of that, as of the fourth Bercy Arena gig in February of 2016, Chris and Dom started playing the second half as fast as possible. The first clip above features the regular version and the second clip features the fast ending version.
The jam was played regularily on almost every show before Madness between 2015 and it's final performance, almost exactly three years later, in 2018.
The Munich Jam is fairly similar to both Helsinki and Osaka Jams. It is so far the only jam Chris plays with a pick.
My Own Summer (Shove It)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | My Own Summer (Shove It) |
| Artist | Deftones |
| Writer/composer | Deftones |
| Appearance | 28th September 2010 - 7th March 2019 |
My Own Summer (Shove It) is a song by American band Deftones. It's the first single from their 1997 album Around the Fur. It is a fairly slow yet heavy song.
The riff was first played on a few dates in 2010 and 2011 and again in 2018 and 2019. The latest performance in Sacramento featured a slightly elongated version of it, together with drums, bass and guitar, whereas previous performances only featured Matt on guitar with Chris and Dom only playing two accented notes from the start of the chorus. The 2019 Sacramento performance was also played as an outro to New Born and the previous performances were played as intro to Stockholm Syndrome and Map of the Problematique.
Negative Creep
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Negative Creep |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Writer/composer | Kurt Cobain |
| Appearance | 2nd April 2010 - 10th April 2019 |
Written by Kurt Cobain, Negative Creep is a song from Nirvana's debut album 1989 Bleach. It is a faster song featuring a riff conformed of sliding up and down on the guitar neck.
The riff was played by Muse quite often in 2010 and in 2011. It was brought back in 2013 for a gig at Seattle's KeyArena and in 2016 for a couple of gigs on The Drones World Tour 2015/16. After that, it returned in 2019 for only one gig in Boston. It was played before or after Stochkolm Syndrome, New Born and The Handler.
Osaka Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Osaka Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Chris Wolstenholme, Dom Howard |
| Appearance | 16th May 2000 (Early version) - August 17th 2008 |
First drum and bass jam by Chris and Dom. Also dubbed by fans as "Osaka Jam" because of a soundcheck video played before the 2004 Osaka gig.
This jam has a similar sound to the Futurism bassline. The first known play of an early version of this jam was on the 16th of May 2000. It was played during technical difficulties in the past.
At the Royal Albert Hall 2008 gig it was played whilst Matthew Bellamy returned from the pipe organ after "Megalomania", who joined Wolstenholme and Howard for the last part of the jam.
Since the Arena Monterrey gig in 2008, it has appeared on set lists as "Bass Jam" or "Drum and Bass"[2] and appeared on set lists at most gigs in 2008.
People of the Sun
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | People of the Sun |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 1st June 2007 - 11th September 2010 |
People of the Sun is a song by American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine from their 1996 album Evil Empire. It is known for it's pick scraping guitar riffs.
This riff was occasionally played during the bass intro of Hysteria instead of the original sliding pick scrape between 2007 and 2010.
Peter Gunn Theme
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Peter Gunn Theme |
| Artist | Henry Mancini |
| Writer/composer | Henry Mancini |
| Appearance | 19th March 2010 |
Peter Gunn is a popular theme song written by Henry Mancini, released in 1959 for the television show of the same title. Despite Mancini primarily writing jazz pieces, this song is inspired by rock and roll. It has become one of the classic detective/private eye TV show theme songs and melodies of all time.
A bit of the melody was played by Bellamy during the second pre-chorus of Stockholm Syndrome at the 2010 South by South West gig.
Piano Thing interlude
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Piano Thing interlude |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 2007 |
Piano Thing interlude is a short piano piece played regularly in 2007 between piano songs (often before Apocalypse Please). It bears some similarities with Piano Thing (hence the name) and Chopin's Prelude in E Minor.
Power of Soul
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Power of Soul |
| Artist | Jimi Hendrix |
| Writer/composer | Jimi Hendrix |
| Appearance | 30th April 2001 - 28th August 2011 |
Power of Soul (originally Power to Love) was a song written by Jimi Hendrix from the 1970 live album Band of Gypsys. It is the first the first album without his original group, The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The song represents Hendrix's new blending of R&B, funk and rock.
Muse started playing the riff as early as 2001, and have stopped playing it in 2011 at the final gig of The Resistance era at Reading Festival. It was played as an intro to Unintended and an outro to Time Is Running Out.
Pre-Sunburn riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pre-Sunburn riff / Funny riff/ "Check Out This Riff" riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 2000 (Exact date unknown) - 25th November 2007 |
A Tom Morello-influenced riff/jam. Usually played before Sunburn during the Showbiz tour around 2000 (e.g. Bizarre Festival 2000 (watch)). Played less often during Absolution tour. Reappeared in late 2007, being played after Map of the Problematique (Sydney Entertainment Centre 2007 (watch)), albeit in a lower key (due to different tuning).
The 'solo' was done with the Whammy pedal during the Showbiz tour, and with the Kaoss Pad for the latter part of the Black Holes and Revelations tour.
The riff sounds somewhat similar to that of "Gratitude" by the Beastie Boys. It also sounds similar to the instrumental riff in Fury.
Prelude in B-Flat Major Op. 23, No.2
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Prelude in B-Flat Major Op. 23, No.2 |
| Artist | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Writer/composer | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Appearance | 24th August 2001 - 8th July 2002 |
Prelude in B-Flat Major Op. 23, No.2 is a composition by Russian composer, pianist and conductor Sergei Rachmaninov, completed and premiered in 1903. The piece is said to be rhytmically complex with contrasting left-hand ostinato against jagged right hand melodic lines.
Excerpt of this piece was played a few times in 2001 and 2002. It features Matt playing the piano, joined in by Chris's heavy distorted bass and Dom playing the drums. It's got a similar vibe to the ending of Space Dementia.
Prelude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 3, No. 2
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Prelude in C-Sharp Minor Op. 3, No. 2 |
| Artist | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Writer/composer | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown) - 14th November 2007 |
Written by Rachmaninoff at 19 years old after his graduation from the Moscow Conservatory, it is one of his most famous compositions. The first performance was by the composer himself in 1892, the same year he completed the composition, at a Moscow Electrical Exhibition festival.
Part of this piece was performed in 2001 by Matt on a piano before Screenager, until the 2nd December 2001. It made a surprise one-off appearance in Australia in 2007
Prelude in G-Minor Op. 23, No. 5
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Prelude in G-Minor Op. 23, No. 5 |
| Artist | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Writer/composer | Sergei Rachmaninov |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown) - 2002 (Exact date unknown) |
A tango-style song, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff, completed in 1901. It was included in his Opus 23 set of ten preludes, despite being written two years earlier than the other nine. The piece was premiered by Rachmaninoff in 1903.
Played by Muse, with Matt on the piano, Dom on drums and Chris playing clean bass. It was played before Screenager.
The main melody of this piece was also used in the bridge section of the extended version of Assassin.
Pre-Unnatural Selection riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pre-Unnatural Selection riff |
| Artist | Matt Bellamy |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 8th September 2009 |
The short little riff which was played before Unnatural Selection, during The Resistance tour, first appearing on 8th September 8th, 2009 in Paris. It's vaguely reminiscent to the live outro of Assassin's Grand Omega Bosses version.
Quiet
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Quiet |
| Artist | Smashing Pumpkins |
| Writer/composer | Billy Corgan |
| Appearance | 9th December 2018 |
Quiet is a song by Smashing Pumpkins, an American rock band, from their second album Siamese Dream, released in 1993.
Muse played the main opening riff of the song together with the Cherub Rock riff after Time Is Running Out at the Chicago Ballroom gig in December of 2018, as a tribute to The Smashing Pumpkins.
Reapers intro
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Reapers intro |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 24th July 2008 - |
The tapping intro used to be played as an outro to Plug In Baby in The Resistance Tour, with the riff developing through the same tour, but traces of this riff can be traced back to 2008 as it was played as an intro to Stockholm Syndrome (as heard in the audio above).
When Drones came out, it became part of Reapers. However, between 2016 and 2018, when Reapers wasn't played, they usually opened Stockholm Syndrome with this riff, up until Rock in Rio 2018. During the Simulation Theory World Tour, they played the shortened version of Reapers in the Metal medley. The infamous tapping intro came back in 2022.
Reapers outro
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Reapers outro |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 15th March 2015 - 15th October 2019 |
The outro is similar to Rage Against the Machine's Freedom outro, which they also played after Stockholm Syndrome on The 2nd Law tour.
After Glastonbury Festival 2016, Reapers was dropped from setlists. Despite this, the song's outro riff was played very commonly in 2017 and 2018 as an outro to Stockholm Syndrome. While the song hasn't been performed in full since 2016, the song appeared shortened during the Metal medley. However the outro was not played until much later in the tour, when it replaced the Headup riff as the medleys outro.
Revolver
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Revolver |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 9th April 2001 - 9th May 2015 |
Revolver is a song written by Rage Against the Machine from the 1996 album Evil Empire. It features a classic Rage riff with calm verses and fast choruses.
Matt played it in 2001 as an introduction to Unintended. Afterwards it was used occasionally in 2006 through to 2011 as the outro solo for Supermassive Black Hole, like at the 2006 Bercy gig.
Bellamy played the riff again inbetween Supermassive Black Hole, right before the solo, in 2013, during the Stade de France gig and again in 2015, during the iHeartRadio Album Release Party gig
Say It Ain't So
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Say It Ain't So |
| Artist | Weezer |
| Writer/composer | Weezer |
| Appearance | 27th January 2016 |
Say It Ain't So is a song by American rock band Weezer from their 1994 debut self-titled album sometimes referred to as the Blue Album. The song is a slow ballad-type song with heavy choruses.
Bellamy played the intro of the song before Time Is Running Out at the Brooklyn 2016 gig.
School
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | School |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Writer/composer | Nirvana |
| Appearance | 31st January 2010 - 10th April 2019 |
School is the fourth song from Nirvana's debut album Bleach, released in 1989. The song features a fairly heavy riff utilising fuzzy distorted guitar.
Muse played the riff occasionaly during The Resistance tour between 2010 and 2011 as an outro to Stockholm Syndrome. It was played once in 2013 in Seattle as an outro to Supermassive Black Hole. The riff made a comeback recently at the New York City's Madison Square Garden and the Boston TD Garden gigs, both after Hysteria.
Seoul Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Seoul Jam |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Matt Bellamy |
| Appearance | 7th January 2010 |
This little jam played before Unnatural Selection at Seoul in 2010 started with Bellamy playing a guitar interlude similar to the Glastonbury Riff , then the crowd started clapping before the whole band started playing a riff vaguely reminiscent to the song Hash Pipe by Weezer, but played faster.
Sweet Child O' Mine
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sweet Child O' Mine |
| Artist | Guns N' Roses |
| Writer/composer | Axl Rose, Slash, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan |
| Appearance | 28th August 2011 - 11th March 2019 |
Sweet Child O' Mine is a song written by Guns N' Roses that appears on their debut 1987 album Apetite for Destruction. It features one of the most known guitar riffs played by Slash. He came up with the riff with drummer Steven Adler after the two were warming up and Slash began playing a "circus" melody. After rhytm guitarist Izzy Stradlin asked Slash to play it again, he came up with chords while Duff McKagan created a bassline. Within an hour, they've written this song.
The intro riff was played by Bellamy quite regularily as an outro to Plug in Baby during The 2nd Law tour. The riff is still added as an outro occasionally to songs with extended outros, such as Plug in Baby and Bliss.
Testify
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Testify |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 1st April 2010 |
Testify is a song by Rage Against the Machine from their 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles. It features a pick-scraping guitar noise with a phaser effect in its verses and the intro.
This intro was played by Bellamy during the outro of Hysteria at the 2010 Vancouver gig.
The Fly
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Fly |
| Artist | U2 |
| Writer/composer | U2 |
| Appearance | 9th April 2011 |
The Fly is a song by English rock band U2 from their 1991 album Achtung Baby. The song features danceable hip-hop beats together with industrial textures and an elaborate guitar solo.
Bellamy played part of the guitar riff after Hysteria together with the Back in Black riff.
The Star-Spangled Banner
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Star-Spangled Banner |
| Artist | Jimi Hendrix / John Stafford Smith |
| Writer/composer | John Stafford Smith |
| Appearance | 9th December 2007 - 19th September 2013; 4th October 2022 - |
The Star-Spangled Banner is most known for being the United States National Anthem. The music was composed by John Stafford Smith in 1773 and the lyrics were added by Francis Scott Key in 1814. In 18th century, this was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, a gentlemen's club of amateur musicians in London. Because of that, before becoming The Star-Spangled Banner, this song was called The Anacreontic Song. The song also features in a well known cover by Jimi Hendrix, which Muse based their version on.
The Star Spangled Banner was played at a couple of gigs in 2007 and 2010, during the U.S. legs of the tours. It was also played a few times during the U.S. leg of The 2nd Law tour in 2013. It was played on the Kaoss Pad in 2007, and on the guitar after. It returned as an intro to Hysteria again in 2022, during the Will Of The People Theatre Tour. All of the times, it was played before Hysteria, in addition or instead of the regular Interlude intro.
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Toccata and Fugue in D Minor |
| Artist | Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Writer/composer | Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Appearance | 4th October 2022 - |
The classical organ piece, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565, was written by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. It is unknown when exactly the piece was composed, however it some sources claim that it might've been written between 1703 and 1707. The piece itself is one of the most famous organ pieces (if not the most famous and recognisable one), mostly due to popular media and the song's association with horror movies.
Part of the song's opening section was used by Muse as an outro to You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween. The full opening section is played by Matt as an intro to this song since on the Will of the People Theatre Tour.
Too Many Puppies
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Too Many Puppies |
| Artist | Primus |
| Writer/composer | Primus |
| Appearance | 29th October 2010 - 25th May 2018 |
Too Many Puppies is a song written by Primus from their 1990 album Frizzle Fry. It features a funk-inspired bass line with metal undertones.
The main riff of the song was performed by Muse three times, the first time being in 2010 in New Orleans as an outro to Stockholm Syndrome. The two other times it was played was in 2017, at the London Shepherds Bush gig as an intro to Futurism and in 2018, at the Napa Valley Bottlerock Festival gig as an outro to Hysteria.
In 2010, the intro was played by Bellamy on guitar, which was later joined by Chris and Dom, and in 2017 and 2018, the intro was played, more like to the original, by Wolstenholme.
Township Rebellion
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Township Rebellion |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown) - |
Listen to audio number one here
Listen to audio number two here
Township Rebellion is a song by American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine from their self-titled debut 1992 album. The first time this riff was played was sometime in 2001 as an outro to Agitated and has been played ever since. Two versions of this riff are played by Muse, a slightly modified version (first clip) and the original version (second clip).
The outro riff of this song is most commonly in conjunction with Stockholm Syndrome as outro riff. The band also played it a few times with Uprising, Hyper Music, Map of the Problematique, MK Ultra, Supermassive Black Hole, Hysteria and Psycho.
The chorus riff was played before Uprising at Carhaix in 2010 [watch] and also made brief appearances before Stockholm Syndrome at Liverpool in 2009 [watch] and on the Drones Making of DVD. [watch]
Undone (The Sweater Song)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Undone (The Sweater Song) |
| Artist | Weezer |
| Writer/composer | Weezer |
| Appearance | 9th January 2010 - 5th July 2019 |
Undone (The Sweater Song) is a song written by American rock band Weezer from their debut self-titled album (or as it's unofficially called, The Blue Album).
Short snippet of the verse riff of this song was first performed in Osaka in january and then in Raleigh on October 26th, 2010.
The riff made a return almost six years later at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center gigs in 2016.
Three years later, on March 11th 2019, it was performed again in Los Angeles. Two months after this performance, Weezer were announced as support for the Simulation Theory World Tour. In the announcement clip, they used their riff. (watch) They also played it in Paris after greeting them.
It was played before Time Is Running Out almost every time.
Very Ape
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Very Ape |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Writer/composer | Kurt Cobain |
| Appearance | 30th September 2012 |
Very Ape is a song by Nirvana from the 1993 album In Utero. Produced by Steve Albini, the song has a fast paced punk rock feel, while still retaining the grunge nature. The song's also one of Nirvana's shortest, at 1:56 in length. The opening riff was also sampled by The Prodigy (and subsequently Pendulum on their remix) on their song Voodoo People.
Bellamy teased with a snippet of the main riff before Starlight at the 2012 iTunes Festival gig.
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Voodoo Child (Slight Return) |
| Artist | Jimi Hendrix |
| Writer/composer | Jimi Hendrix |
| Appearance | 12th April 2008 - 14th November 2017 |
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is a song by Jimi Hendrix and his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It appears as the final track on his 1968 album Electric Ladyland. The song features improvised guitar and vocals by Hendrix, backed by Noel Redding's bass and Mitch Mitchell's drums. It is one of his best known songs.
Bellamy first played the opening riff of the song in 2008 as an intro to Time Is Running Out at Royal Albert Hall. It then made a few appearances between 2009 and 2011 as an outro to Time Is Running Out before Jimmy Jam and a couple of times in 2012 as an intro to Panic Station.
The riff returned in 2015 and became a staple intro to Supermassive Black Hole during The Drones World Tour 2015/16 and was played occasionally in 2017.
Vuilstamen Riff
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Vuilstamen Riff / Earthquake Outro |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 2001 (Exact date unknown) - 11th June 2016 |
The oldest Muse riff still around, the riff dates back to jam sessions in 1994 and 1995. The riff was later, in 1997, used as an outro to the Nature_1 demo called Earthquake, but was abandoned in the original version.
The riff started its live journey in 2001, when it was played occasionally between sets (such as at the Saint-Malo Route du Rock 2001). It made it's return in 2010 when it was played before Starlight in Oklahoma and before Stockholm Syndrome in Carhaix.
The riff returned again five years later, between 2015 and 2016, as an occasional outro to Hysteria.
War Within a Breath
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | War Within a Breath |
| Artist | Rage Against the Machine |
| Writer/composer | Rage Against the Machine |
| Appearance | 6th October 2007 - 20th May 2011 |
A song by American alternative/rap metal band Rage Against the Machine, War Within a Breath features on their 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles.
The main riff has been played by Muse a few times in 2007, and occasionally between 2009 and 2011 as an outro to Stockholm Syndrome.
Whammy Jam
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Whammy Jam / Pre-Uno riff |
| Artist | Original |
| Writer/composer | Muse |
| Appearance | 1999 - 2000 (Exact dates unknown) |
A fast energetic heavy jam usually played before Uno between 1999 and 2000.
The riff utilises a lot of Whammy guitar improv and a bassline playing octaves. Sometimes the riff was also played without a Whammy pedal.
Whole Lotta Love
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Whole Lotta Love |
| Artist | Led Zeppelin |
| Writer/composer | Led Zeppelin, Willie Dixon |
| Appearance | 17th June 2007 – 12th April 2008 |
Whole Lotta Love is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin. It is the opening track on their second album, Led Zeppelin II recorded and released in 1969.
The riff of the song was often played as a jam during the Black Holes and Revelations touring between 2007 and 2008 before Time Is Running Out.
Wild Thing
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wild Thing |
| Artist | The Troggs |
| Writer/composer | Chip Taylor |
| Appearance | 3rd December 2018, 13th October 2019 |
Wild Thing is a song by English rock band The Troggs, written by American songwriter Chip Taylor. It was originally written for the American rock band The Wild Ones in 1965, but did not chart, so The Troggs recorded their version of it, which reached Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1966. Their version of "Wild Thing" was ranked at number 257 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The riff of the song has been played quite regularily after Supermassive Black Hole during the Simulation Theory World Tour, and was also featured in one of the promo clips for the tour itself. Before playing it, most of the times, Bellamy detunes his guitar slightly.
Wilma's Rainbow
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wilma's Rainbow |
| Artist | Helmet |
| Writer/composer | Page Hamilton |
| Appearance | 10th April 2019 |
Wilma's Rainbow is a song by American alternative metal band Helmet. It was written by Page Hamilton and was released on the 1994 album Betty.
The riff from the intro of the song made its debut (and only appearence to date) at the 10th April 2019 gig at Boston's TD Garden after New Born.
YYZ
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | YYZ |
| Artist | Rush |
| Writer/composer | Geddy Lee, Neil Peart |
| Appearance | 8th March 2010 - 26th March 2019 |
YYZ is an instrumental rock composition by Canadian progressive rock band Rush from the 1981 album Moving Pictures. It is regarded as one of the bands most popular pieces.
Bellamy mentioned in an interview with Vancouver radio station The Fox 99.3, this was one of the first riffs Bellamy learnt to play on guitar.
The intro riff was used occasionally during the Resistance tour in Canada, as an outro riff to Plug In Baby and New Born. Since then it has become tradition of Muse playing this riff when in Canada, as it later returned three times in 2013, as an intro to Time Is Running Out, in 2016, as an outro to Hysteria and in 2019 as an outro to Supermassive Black Hole.
Zero
| Riff or jam | |
|---|---|
| Name | Zero |
| Artist | Smashing Pumpkins |
| Writer/composer | Billy Corgan |
| Appearance | 9th December 2018 - 26th March 2019 |
A song by grunge rock band Smashing Pumpkins, the song featured on their 1995 album called Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, and was released as a single a year later.
The riff of the song has been played at the 2018 Chicago Aragon Ballroom gig after New Born, together with the Freedom outro. It's been played as a tribute to The Smashing Pumpkins.
References
- ↑ (Accessed March 30 2008). [Background info on piece]. Wikipedia. Retrieved from wikipedia.org.
- ↑ [Monterrey Arena 2008 set list]. [verify]
