Dominic Howard

Dominic James Howard began his tenure as a drummer at age twelve after observing a jazz band performance at his school. Born in Stockport in 1977, he relocated to Teignmouth in Devon by age eight. This early exposure to music eventually led him to co-found the rock group Muse, a collective that emerged from the trio Rocket Baby Dolls.

Formation of Muse

Howard met guitarist Matt Bellamy while their respective bands rehearsed within the same building. The pair successfully recruited Chris Wolstenholme to play bass, forming an initial unit under the name Rocket Baby Dolls. By 1994, the group adopted the moniker Muse. The band has since achieved significant commercial reach, selling over 20 million albums globally and securing various industry accolades throughout their existence.

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Technical Style and Collaborations

A notable aspect of Howard's performance involves his use of a left-handed drum kit. His rhythmic approach has gained professional recognition; Mike Portnoy, the drummer for Dream Theater, has cited Howard as an influence, comparing his specific execution to the groove and power displayed by Dave Grohl. Beyond his work with Muse, Howard performed with the supergroup Vicky Cryer, which featured Jason Hill. In 2018, he collaborated with Matt Bellamy in a covers ensemble known as the Jaded Hearts Club, which featured a guest appearance by Paul McCartney.

Personal Milestones

In 2004, Howard experienced the loss of his father, William Howard, who suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after attending a Muse performance at the Glastonbury Festival. Recognition for his contributions to music arrived in 2008 when the University of Plymouth awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Arts, an honor he shared with his bandmates Bellamy and Wolstenholme.