"Apocalypse Please" is a song by English rock band Muse, featured on their third studio album, Absolution (2003). A live version of the song was released as a downloadsingle on 23 August 2004, from which approximately 70% of all proceeds were donated to Oxfam.[1] The song reached number ten on the first edition of the UK Official Download Chart, announced on 1 September 2004.[2]
Background
"Apocalypse Please" was originally recorded with an orchestral backing, which was removed simply for being, according to Bellamy, "too much."[3] Drummer Dominic Howard described the song as "a very theatrical song about religious fanatics and their wish that their prophecies come true [...] So that they can confirm their religion."[4]
Producer Rich Costey said he wanted the toms on "Apocalypse Please" to sound as "ridiculous and as epic as possible".[5] He had Howard play a pair of close-miked kick drums "to get a low, thumping sound".[5] The song also features additional drumming by bassist Chris Wolstenholme.[3]
Release
Along with the single release, Muse ran a competition to win a signed and framed set list, also in conjunction with Oxfam.[6] In 2005, "Apocalypse Please" was featured on the livevideo albumAbsolution Tour;[7] in 2008, it was also featured on the DVD edition of the live album HAARP.[8]
