Matt Bellamy Unveils New Guitar Honouring His Favourite Road Movie Soundtracks

Muse frontman Matt Bellamy has unveiled an innovative new guitar created in collaboration with Manson Guitar Works, directly inspired by the evocative soundtracks of classic American road movies. Known for his bold creativity and distinctive playing style, Bellamy has drawn inspiration from cinematic masterpieces such as Paris, Texas, Crossroads, and Thelma & Louise, to craft a unique instrument that blends visual flair with sonic innovation.

The guitar, aptly named the "Manson Roadster," is not merely an instrument but a tribute to the emotional journeys captured by iconic road films. Bellamy has openly discussed his lifelong fascination with movies that vividly portray adventure, solitude, and the transformative power of travel—themes that have deeply influenced his songwriting and now extend into his guitar design.

At the heart of the Manson Roadster’s conception is a focus on capturing the atmospheric tones reminiscent of legendary film scores. Bellamy specifically cited Ry Cooder's hauntingly beautiful slide guitar in Wim Wenders' Paris, Texas as a key inspiration. This soundtrack famously evoked the expansive, lonely landscapes of the American Southwest, a mood Bellamy aimed to replicate through the guitar’s tonal versatility and sonic capabilities.

Additionally, the energetic blues riffs featured in the 1986 cult classic Crossroads served as a guiding influence for Bellamy’s design choices. He described how these soulful, emotionally-charged melodies shaped his approach, prompting him to seek a guitar sound capable of handling everything from gentle melodic lines to raw, gritty blues solos.

Furthermore, the daring, liberating spirit embodied by the iconic 1991 film Thelma & Louise added another dimension to Bellamy’s vision. Capturing the rebelliousness and freedom expressed through the film's narrative and accompanying music, Bellamy designed the Roadster to encourage musicians to explore beyond conventional limits, embodying the spirit of adventure.

The Manson Roadster itself showcases aesthetic nods to vintage Americana, with a beautifully crafted body design that evokes classic car culture—a direct homage to the visual style of the films that inspired it. Finished with meticulous attention to detail, the guitar features a custom finish reminiscent of sun-baked highways and open landscapes, capturing the romantic essence of road-trip imagery.

Beyond aesthetics, the Roadster boasts technical innovations designed specifically for players seeking versatility and expressiveness. It includes a custom set of pickups developed in collaboration with Bellamy himself, designed to produce a broad tonal palette—from clear, haunting cleans to thick, overdriven textures. The instrument is also equipped with specialised electronics that allow musicians to recreate ambient soundscapes synonymous with Bellamy’s influential style.

Fans of Muse will recognise Bellamy’s longstanding relationship with Manson Guitar Works, a partnership responsible for many of his iconic stage instruments. This latest collaboration is another testament to their shared commitment to innovation, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship.

The guitar's official launch has already generated immense excitement within the music community, with musicians and fans alike keen to experience an instrument that authentically captures the essence of classic cinematic storytelling through sound.

Matt Bellamy’s artistic journey continues to blur the lines between music, cinema, and visual art. The Manson Roadster is more than just an innovative guitar—it is a tangible representation of his deep respect for cinema's influence on music, offering musicians everywhere the chance to explore their own musical roads inspired by iconic American films.

As the Roadster enters the hands of musicians worldwide, its unique blend of cinematic nostalgia and modern guitar technology will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of creative journeys, just as the iconic films that inspired it have done for decades.