Muse Frontman Matt Bellamy Acquires Manson Guitar Works, Gifts Tom Morello a Custom-Made Model
Bellamy looks forward to developing Manson’s “potential in the future.”

Muse’s Matt Bellamy has been a staunch user of various models from the Manson Guitar Works line, including several of his own signature designs, for more than two decades. Now, Bellamy has acquired a majority share of the U.K.-based company.
“I’m excited to be taking ownership of Manson Guitar Works and developing its potential in the future,” Bellamy said in a statement. “Having played Manson Guitars since I was able to co-design my first custom guitar I have the best insight into the products.”
Luthier and brand founder Hugh Manson will remain a consultant to the company while transitioning into semi-retirement.
Perhaps to celebrate the acquisition, Bellamy also recently presented Tom Morello with a custom-made Manson. “[Tom Morello] has been a huge inspiration to me growing up, a guitar legend,” Bellamy said in an Instagram post. “Proud to be able to give him a guitar I had made inspired by his playing and his message. Thanks for joining us on this UK tour, it’s been a blast!”
A photo posted by @mattbellamy on Jun 8, 2019 at 11:13am PDT
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Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.
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