Yes, news of a good concert brings a smile to our faces. But with two smashing concerts just three days apart, now, surely that’s reason enough to get us grinning from ear to ear. If you haven’t heard by now, blues musician Eric Clapton is coming to electrify audiences on Jan 13, while Brit rock act Muse will seize the stage on Jan 16. We bring you a quick lowdown on these two live acts, so that you’ll be able show off your pop culture knowledge to other music lovers while queuing to enter the concert arenas.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, nicknamed “Slowhand” has garnered three inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his talent, and is arguably, one of the most influential and respected guitarist cum singer around. Surely, many would agree with the graffiti in London and New York, which proclaims the famous slogan “Clapton is God” in the late ’60s. And he is most known for hits such as “Tears in Heaven,” a song which is inspired by the death of his son Conor.

Clapton has a whole host of musical experience under his belt. Obsessed with blues, he was expelled at 17 for playing guitar in class, and in time, he was a member of bands such as Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos. His career came to a hiatus in early ’70s, when he had a heroin addiction, but made a successful comeback with albums such as Just One Night, Another Ticket, Money and Cigarettes, Behind the Sun, August and Journeyman, safely acquiring for him, an increasing number of fans. Clapton is no stranger to Grammys either. So anticipate nothing short of a spectacular concert from this veteran who has collaborated with people to the likes of George Harrison, Phil Collins, Roger Waters, BB King and John Mayer come Jan 13.

Muse

Formed in 1994, Muse is a Brit band comprising vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Matthew Bellamy, drummer Dominic and bassist, vocalist and keyboardist Chris Wolstenholme. The band was contemplating names like Gothic Plague, Carnage Mayhem, Fixed Penalty and, hold your sniggles, Rocket Baby Dolls, before members finally settled on the name Muse. To date, Muse has released five albums and has performed in major festivals such as Glastonbury and Big Day Out. Their dancey rock tracks have also led them to open for acts such as Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Muse’s sound is a searing blend of indie rock, electronica, progressive rock and metal, and critics have compared the band with Queen and Radiohead. And much of Muse’s works have dabbled with themes relating to conspiracy theories, science, supernatural, the apocalypse and the works. In the album Origin of Symmetry for example, the song “Space Dementia” is named after a mental disorder that astronauts may face due to spending long periods in space. And in Black Holes and Revelations, the band’s interest in space, Mars, the Book of Revelation and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse were apparent in the artwork and the lyrics. Intrigued yet? Drop by Muse’s concert for more. We think this band has more up its sleeves.