Muse, the British rock band known for their electrifying performances, has had to cancel several of their upcoming shows due to unforeseen circumstances. The band, consisting of Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard, was set to perform in Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Bengaluru but announced that these events would no longer take place. The decision to pull the plug on these concerts was not made lightly, with the band offering apologies and refunds to affected fans
The Canceled Shows
Muse was scheduled to take the stage at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2026, followed by performances in Johannesburg on February 7, Cape Town on February 11, and Bengaluru on February 14. Despite the band’s popularity, unforeseen events beyond their control have led to the difficult decision to cancel the shows. Fans who purchased tickets for the Abu Dhabi concert have been offered refunds, while those with tickets for other performances are also awaiting more information.
In a statement shared through Live Nation, Muse expressed regret over the cancellations, stating, “This has been a very difficult decision and one we did not take lightly. We’re truly sorry to everyone who purchased tickets and appreciate your understanding.”
A Break for New Music
This setback comes on the heels of Muse’s announcement about their future plans. In 2025, the band dropped their first track in three years, “Unravelling.” They also hinted at a new album, following their 2022 release Will of the People. In a recent interview, bassist Chris Wolstenholme mentioned that Muse would be working on their next album fairly soon, with a potential release in 2026.
Wolstenholme shared on The Leona Graham Podcast that while the band has extended their relationship with Warner for past albums, they were open to signing with a new label for the next record. With fewer performances this year, the band plans to “reset” and take time to work on new material. The long gap between albums is a natural progression, as the band now finds longer periods of reflection between projects.
“I don’t think we can be banging out new albums every two years like we used to,” Wolstenholme said. “But it gives you that opportunity to reset a little bit and think about what’s going to happen going forward.”
2026 and Beyond
For Muse fans, this may mean a longer wait for new material. With only a handful of gigs planned for 2026, including some in June, the band has hinted that their next studio album could be released by the end of the year. Despite the cancellations, the band remains focused on creating new music, which is set to define their sound in the next phase of their career.
“We’ve got a few gigs in June. Only a handful – that’s the only gigs we’re doing this year. I don’t think the idea is to do anything really serious until next year, so I would imagine that 2026 will be a new album, barring any disasters,” Wolstenholme added.
Side Projects and Solo Endeavors
During the band’s downtime, Chris Wolstenholme has been involved in a side project called Chromes. This side venture allows him to explore new creative avenues while Muse works on its new music. This time off from the stage and studio is a chance for the band to refresh and recharge before diving into their next major musical endeavor.
Conclusion
Although Muse’s canceled performances are a disappointment for their fans, it’s clear that the band’s decision to focus on new music and their future album is a priority. The band has apologized for the inconvenience and thanked fans for their continued support.
With new music on the horizon and a strong commitment to their craft, Muse’s future looks bright, and fans are excited to see what the band has in store for them in 2026.
