“We’re Biffy F*cking Clyro”, the slogan on merch stand tees, screamed in unison by fans, and the sentiment for the Birmingham date of Biffy Clyro’s 'Futique Tour' at Birmingham Utilita Arena.
As Simon Neil moved to the side of the stage, sonorous string harmonies coming from the other side, the heart-wrenching lyrics of ‘Goodbye’ were projected onto the screens. A tribute to band member, James Johnston, who couldn't join them on tour, a moment of appreciation for wonderful friend Naomi MacLeod for stepping in, and a thank you to the “f*cking cool” audience preceded ‘Friendshipping’, showing Biffy Clyro as a band that does not take their community for granted, even after 30 years in the industry.
2013’s ‘Biblical’ moved into ‘A Thousand And One’, a vocal-led number showing the breadth of the rock band’s musicality. No song felt unfamiliar as the packed out arena sang along with ‘Black Chandelier’, a sound only expanding as Neil conducted the audience in ‘Mountains’; “one more time everybody”. The screens moved away from black and white projections of the band to a slow blinking eye, soundtracked by ‘Two People In Love’. Closing the pre-encore set was ‘Machines’, the curtain half down as the band crowded onto the stage staircase, Simon now on acoustic guitar as the audience responded with a scattering of phone lights and undeniable attention.
As Biffy Clyro returned to the stage, fists were thrown in the air to the “woahs” of ‘The Captain’, the energy only increasing as the band playfully asked, “Anyone want some bubbles?” before diving into their 2009 hit. Thousands of voices sang their hearts out as the Scottish rock band closed the show with ‘Many Of Horror’. As the lights went up, the sticky confetti-covered floors appeared, and Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ played over the speakers, it was clear this had been a special night.
Biffy Clyro play Finsbury Park on 3rd July 2026. Tickets are available here.
Maisy Neale
Images: Maisy Neale
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