British rock band Muse took over F1 tracks last week putting together a bespoke playlist for the Belgian Grand Prix – and they also sat down with us for an exclusive Q&A…
You can listen to the two-time Grammy Award winner’s – who have just released their ninth studio album Will of the People – playlist here and check out the Q&A with drummer and co-founder Dominic Howard below as he reveals his favourite driver, his favourite F1 memory and which driver he reckons would make the best music artist.
Q&A with Dominic Howard
Q:What’s the best thing about F1?
A: Everything! The adrenalin, the skill of the drivers and the continued cutting edge tech evolution from the teams.
Q:Any similarities between the buzz of F1 and the buzz of live music?
A: Quite a lot actually. From attending a number of races the whole setup is similar to being on a big production tour. All the set up and pack down before and after the event, all the various moving parts and people needed to make it happen all feels a bit familiar. You can see it’s a big touring family very much like it is when we’re on the road.
But also the anticipation before the race and the race itself is similar to getting ready to play on stage and playing a show. But for us musicians I guess we always end up on the podium after!
Q: Favourite Driver?
A: Hamilton probably as he’s just a ledge! But definitely enjoying the skill of the younger drivers rising to the top like Russell, Norris, Albon and Leclerc.
Q: Favourite Team?
A: Hard to say. It’s like having a favourite song. But I like Red Bull and McLaren’s vibe.
Q:Favourite F1 Track? (Race circuit)
A: I’ve driven the Portimao Circuit which is like being on a roller coaster! Also got to drive Paul Ricard last year in the PRE program. That’s a special one too.
Q:If you could pick one of your songs to be the new theme tune for F1, which would it be and why?
A: Supremacy and Take a Bow have the right amount of drama in places!
Q: What are your favourite memories from following Formula 1?
A: Last season and the absolutely crazy last race!
Q:Which F1 driver do you think would make the best music artist and why?
A: Daniel Ricciardo probably. I think he sang in a hardcore punk band in his time off once!
Q: You could go to a gig with three people dead or alive, who would they be and what band/artists would you go and see?
A: It would be with Jimi Hendrix, Beethoven and Buddy Rich and we’d go watch Rage Against the Machine at Madison Square Garden. Then jam after hopefully!
Q: Tell us about your new music news?
A: We have a new album coming on the 26th August called Will Of the People. Check it out! We’ll be on tour next year too if you like gigs!
