Chris Wolstenholme facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Wolstenholme
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Wolstenholme performing with Muse in 2018
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christopher Tony Wolstenholme |
| Born | 2 December 1978 Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1991–present |
Christopher Tony Wolstenholme (born 2 December 1978) is an English musician. He is best known as the bassist and backing singer for the rock band Muse. He uses his bass guitar with special sound effects and synthesizers. This helps create the unique, powerful bass sounds heard in many Muse songs. In 2024, he also started his own music project called Chromes.
Contents
Early Life and Muse's Start
Chris Wolstenholme grew up in Rotherham, England. Later, he moved to Teignmouth, Devon. There, he played drums in a band.
Forming the Band Muse
Chris met Matt Bellamy and Dominic Howard while their bands practiced in the same building. Matt and Dominic asked Chris to learn bass guitar. They wanted him to start a new band with them.
The band was first called Rocket Baby Dolls. In 1994, they changed their name to Muse. Chris took bass lessons and joined the group.
Chris's Music Style
Chris Wolstenholme's bass lines are a very important part of Muse's music. He does not just play simple notes. His bass often takes a main role in songs. A good example is the 2003 song "Hysteria".
Bass Guitar Techniques
Chris uses special effects and synthesizers with his bass guitar. This helps him create a strong, distorted bass sound. He also uses touch-screen controllers built into his instruments. These controllers help him manage his sound effects.
Chris mostly plays his bass with his fingers. He prefers this sound for most of Muse's songs. He also wrote and sang lead vocals on two Muse songs. These songs, "Liquid State" and "Save Me", are from their 2012 album, The 2nd Law.
Other Music Projects
Beyond Muse, Chris has worked with other artists. He played bass on Moriaty's song "Bones" in 2015. He also helped with Rick Parfitt's album Over and Out in 2018. In August 2024, Chris started his solo project, Chromes. He released two songs, "Imaginary World" and "The Good Life".
Personal Life
Chris Wolstenholme married his first wife, Kelly, in 2003. They have six children together. Later, in 2010, the family moved to Foxrock, County Dublin, Ireland.
Family and Hobbies
After Chris and Kelly divorced, he married Caris Ball on 1 December 2018. This was just one day before his 40th birthday. Chris and Caris have a daughter and a son. Caris also has two daughters from before. This means Chris has ten children in total.
Chris is a big fan of Rotherham United. This is his hometown football team. He also has an honorary doctorate of arts from the University of Plymouth. This is a special degree given to him by the university.
Overcoming Challenges
Chris has spoken about a difficult time in his life. He found peace by focusing on music. He said that music was the only thing that made him feel calm. He wrote two songs about this experience. These songs, "Liquid State" and "Save Me", are on Muse's album The 2nd Law.
