Full Breakdown
Muse’s “The Wow! Signal” Marks Eighth UK Number-One Album
7/4/2026, 2:29:57 PM
Chart-topping Achievement
On the week ending 3 July 2024, Muse’s tenth studio album *The Wow! Signal* entered the Official Albums Chart at No. 1, giving the Devon-formed trio their eighth UK number-one album. The album’s debut displaced Olivia Rodrigo’s *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love* at No. 2 and placed Michael Jackson’s *The Essential* compilation at No. 3.
Historical Chart Performance
Muse previously secured UK number-one status with six studio releases: *Absolution* (2004), *Black Holes and Revelations* (2006), *The Resistance* (2009), *The 2nd Law* (2012), *Drones* (2015), *Simulation Theory* (2018) and *Will of the People* (2022). The latest achievement brings their total to eight, matching the all-time records of Oasis, The Killers and Led Zeppelin, each of whom also hold eight UK chart-topping albums.
Band Line-up
The three-piece consists of vocalist-guitarist Matt Bellamy, drummer Dominic Howard and bassist-backing-vocalist Chris Wolstenholme. Their collaborative songwriting and production have underpinned the band’s sustained commercial performance across two decades.
Numbers and Rankings
In addition to the album chart, *The Wow! Signal* topped the Official Vinyl Album Chart, recording the highest weekly wax sales for any title during the seven-day period. The release coincided with other notable chart movements: The Pretty Reckless’ *Dear God* entered the top-ten, Katy Perry’s *The One That Got the Plays* compilation reached No. 10, and Metallica’s 1997 album *Reload* re-entered the top-40 at No. 39 following a limited-edition box-set release. Bad Bunny’s *DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOToS* climbed to No. 28 after high-profile London stadium shows.
Significance for the UK Rock Landscape
Muse’s eighth number-one reinforces the band’s status as one of the United Kingdom’s most commercially successful rock acts of the 21st century. By equalling the chart records of Oasis, The Killers and Led Zeppelin, the group joins a select cohort that has consistently translated album releases into top-chart performance, highlighting the enduring market appetite for arena-ready rock in a streaming-dominated era.
Upcoming Tour Dates
The band commenced its current global tour on 2 July 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will continue with a series of arena dates across the United Kingdom and Europe later in the year, supporting the new album’s promotion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Signal has earned the Devon-formers rockers their eighth No.” — Billboard
- “The three-piece, featuring Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme, are now level with Oasis, The Killers and Led Zeppelin on the all-time list, all of whom have eight each.” — Billboard
- “They also top this week’s Official Vinyl Album Vinyl Chart, with The Wow!” — Official Charts
- “They kicked off their latest global tour on Thursday (July 2) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” — Billboard
