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Biffy Clyro

by Lily Brown

Contents
Biffy Clyro

Biffy Clyro is a popular indie rock band from Scotland based in the United Kingdom. The band has been one of those that has successfully weathered the coronavirus and other changes in the world. One of the sources of inspiration in the early stages of the band's career was Nirvana, Weezer and Pearl Jam. Today, the musicians urge us to evolve and not be afraid of the rapid changes taking place in the music industry.

Country

United Kingdom

Place of origin

Kilmarnock, Scotland

Year of formation

1995

Years active

1997–2025

Genres

Indie rock, alternative rock, experimental rock

Members

Simon Neil, Ben Johnston, James Johnston, former member Barry McGee

Labels

Babi Yaga, Beggars Banquet, 14th Floor, Roadrunner

Studio albums

  • Blackened Sky (2002)
  • The Vertigo of Bliss (2003)
  • Infinity Land (2004)
  • Puzzle (2007)
  • Only Revolutions (2009)
  • Opposites (2013)
  • Similarities (2014)
  • Ellipsis (2016)
  • A Celebration Of Endings (2020)
  • The Myth of the Happily Ever After (2021)

Other projects

Marmaduke Duke

Who are Biffy Clyro?

The band's leader is Simon Neil, who has two degrees: one in electronic music and one in film/television. The band actively experiments with soundscapes. Their musical style is characterised by constant changes in rhythm, volume and genre within a single song. For example, a fading solo guitar is suddenly replaced by a barrage of distorted guitar riffs within a single track.

Biffy Clyro members

Biffy Clyro members

Fans of complex noise music should check out Biffy Clyro's album Ellipsis.

The themes of the lyrics are also varied: from personal experiences in the tracks ‘Who's Got a Match’ and ‘When You Hit Me’ to biblical stories and appeals to God in the lyrics of ‘Time Is What We Don't Have’ and ‘Biblical’.

Among the band's most popular hits are Space and Mountains.

When did Biffy Clyro form?

Simon Neil decided to form a rock band in 1995. He found drummer Ben Johnson and bassist Barry McGee. They named the band Screwfish and immediately began performing. In 1997, the trio was renamed Biffy Clyro, and Ben Johnson's twin brother James replaced the bassist. That same year, the trio moved to Glasgow.

List of awards and nominations received by Biffy Clyro

Biffy Clyro win Best British Band

Awards and nominations:

  • Brit Awards for Best British Group in 2021, 2017, and 2011.
  • World Music Award for Best World Album 2014.
  • NME Awards for Best Video 2010.
  • MTV Europe Music Award for Best MTV World Stage Performance 2015.
  • NME Awards for Best Live Band 2014, 2013, 2011.
  • Kerrang! Awards for Best Video in 2010.
  • Kerrang! Awards for Best Event in 2016.
  • Kerrang! Awards for Best British Band in 2022, 2019, and 2018.
  • Kerrang! Awards for Best Album in 2013, 2010, and 2007.
  • UK Festival Awards for Best Festival Headliner in 2014 and 2013.
  • NME Awards for Virtual Critics' Choice in 2017, 2014, 2013.
  • UK Festival Awards for Best Rock Band in 2008.

Members of Biffy Clyro

members of biffy clyro

Biffy Clyro Simon Neil

Simon Neil. Born on 31 August, 1079. Singer, guitarist, songwriter and composer. Married to Francesca Neil, whom he wed in 2008. He founded the rock band in 1995 and has been its permanent leader ever since. Simon Neil graduated from college with a degree in sound engineering and later received two degrees in music electronics and television. In interviews, the musician talks about the process of writing his songs, mentioning that he writes them alone. For him, it is primarily a reinterpretation of everything that happens in life.

members of biffy clyro

Biffy Clyro Ben Johnston

Ben Johnston. In 1995, he joined the band as a bass guitarist. He became friends with Simon Neil at the age of seven. They are united by common musical interests, which, with age, have grown into their own musical discoveries. Biffy Clyro owes its powerful, dynamic sound and fast, rhythmic transitions from one part of a song to another to Ben Johnston.

members of biffy clyro

Biffy Clyro James Johnston

James Johnston. He is Ben Johnston's twin brother, and together they make an unforgettable impression. In 1997, he replaced the band's first drummer. Since then, James has been an integral part of the group. His playing is characterised by professionalism combined with the ability to convey the nuances of inner life through the drums on stage. James brings additional uniqueness to the band's work.

Biffy Clyro at Glastonbury Festival

Biffy Clyro at Glastonbury Festival

The band took part in the Glastonbury Festival in 2025 with the following set list:

  1. A Little Love;
  2. That Golden Rule;
  3. Biblical;
  4. Mountains;
  5. Re-Arrange;
  6. Wolves of Winter;
  7. Tiny Indoor Fireworks;
  8. Black Chandelier;
  9. Instant History;
  10. Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies;
  11. Bubbles;
  12. Many of Horror.
biffy clyro glastonbury

Biffy Clyro at Glastonbury Festival

Their performance did not go unnoticed by critics, who noted the musicians' excellent playing and the shortcomings of the organisation.

Artists such as Neil Young, Alanis Morissette and Alicia Rodriguez have performed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival.

Biffy Clyro albums

Biffy Clyro albums

Biffy Clyro albums

Discography:

  1. Blackened Sky (2002).
  2. The Vertigo of Bliss (2003).
  3. Infinity Land (2004).
  4. Puzzle (2007).
  5. Only Revolutions (2009).
  6. Opposites (2013).
  7. Similarities (2014).
  8. Ellipsis (2016).
  9. A Celebration Of Endings (2020).
  10. The Myth of the Happily Ever After (2021).

Popular songs by the band:

  • ‘When We Collide’
  • ‘When We Were Young’
  • ‘Mountains’.
  • ‘Space’.
  • ‘Instant History’.
  • ‘Balance, Not Symmetry’.
  • ‘That Golden Rule’.

Biffy Clyro - Space

Biffy Clyro upcoming events

Upcoming events:

  • 26 September 2025 — new album.
  • 9 January 2026 — Belfast, United Kingdom.
  • 10 January 2026 — 3 Arena, Dublin, Ireland
  • 12 January 2026 — Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
  • 14 January 2026 — O2, London, United Kingdom.
  • 16 January 2026 — Utilita Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • 17 January 2026 — The Co-op Live, Manchester, United Kingdom.
  • 18 January 2026 — Utilita Arena, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
  • 20 January 2026 — P&J Live Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
  • 21 January 2026 — Ovo Hydro, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
  • 30 January 2026 — AFAS Live, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • 31 January 2026 — Mitsubishi Electric Halle, Düsseldorf, Germany.
  • 1 February 2026 — Olympia, Paris, France.
  • 3 February 2026 — Roig Arena, Valencia, Spain.

Biffy Clyro has also performed at Brixton Academy on numerous occasions.

Biffy Clyro merch

biffy clyro t shirt

Biffy Clyro merch

Biffy Clyro merchandise is not just a souvenir, but an extension of their musical aesthetic, combining bold style and the atmosphere of live performances. The official store offers a variety of product combinations: a CD magazine and badge set for approximately £18.70, an exclusive vinyl record and T-shirt set for £53.55, and a CD magazine and hoodie bundle for £63.75. Classic items are also available separately — a black hoodie (£59.50), a black cap (£25.50) and a red T-shirt (£29.75). All merchandise is designed so that fans can wear their favourite music with them every day.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Biffy Clyro from?

Scotland, Kilmarnock.

Why are they called Biffy Clyro?

There are several semi-humorous versions of the origin of the name: the name of a spy, a reworked name of a souvenir with the name Cliff Richard, an abbreviation of the phrase ‘Big Imagination For Feeling Young 'Cos Life Yearns Real Optimism’. There is no exact information.

What genre Biffy Clyro play?

Indie rock, alternative rock.

What is Biffy Clyro's biggest hit?

Instant History (2020).

How many times have Biffy Clyro played at Glastonbury?

Biffy Clyro has played at Glastonbury four times in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2017. This year (2025) will be their fifth performance.