Nirvana
Nirvana, made up of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl were an American rock band and one of the most influential bands of the 90s.
Muse members grew up listening to Nirvana's best selling and critically acclaimed "Nevermind" amongst other things, however Howard said he prefered "In Utero". Muse, like Nirvana, is a band of three people who have known each other since their teens.
In Rip & Burn Magazine in December 2004, Howard said, "They influenced practically everyone at some point; and they blew a lot of 80s hair metal bands out of the window".
Chris said Nevermind was one of his favorite albums in Alternitve Press December 2006 issue.
Both living former members of Nirvana, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, have met Muse (Kurt Cobain was found dead in his home on the 8th of April, 1994). Novoselic appeared on the guest list to the backstage of one of their shows in 2004, and Grohl, as the Foo Fighters frontman, has played on a number of festivals with them. It is known that Grohl is quite a fan of Muse, especially for their live shows.