Muse singer Matt Bellamy started to prepare for the end of the world after researching conspiracy theories for his band's latest album.

He told Q magazine that he stocked up on baked beans and purchased an axe to prepare himself for a potential food shortage in the UK.

"I read somewhere a seven-day blockade and the UK would run out of oil", he said.

"Another seven days and we'd run out of food. That's why I bought the beans. The axe would chop firewood."

He also claimed that his Italian girlfriend had tried to calm him down to no avail, adding: "She's Italian. They've seen it all there. The Roman Empire came and went. She's more laid back about history and politics.

"But to me it all feels so tenuous sometimes, especially in the UK. We are an island and are vulnerable."

The Resistance is released on September 14.