Biffy Clyro
Encyclopedia
Biffy Clyro are a Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...

 rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...

 band from Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is a large burgh in East Ayrshire, Scotland, with a population of 44,734. It is the second largest town in Ayrshire. The River Irvine runs through its eastern section, and the Kilmarnock Water passes through it, giving rise to the name 'Bank Street'...

, comprising Simon Neil
Simon Neil
Simon Alexander Neil is a Scottish vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro and Marmaduke Duke.-Biffy Clyro:...

 (guitar, lead vocals), James Johnston
James Johnston (Scottish musician)
James Roberto Johnston is a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro...

 (bass, vocals) and Ben Johnston
Ben Johnston (Scottish musician)
Ben Hamilton Johnston is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.-Early life:...

 (drums, vocals). After their first three albums, the band expanded their following significantly with the release of their fourth, Puzzle
Puzzle (Biffy Clyro album)
Puzzle is the fourth studio album by Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, released 4 June 2007 - the album was later released in America in August...

in 2007 creating more mainstream songs with simpler rhythms and distancing themselves from their more unusual dissonant style that was present in the previous three albums. Puzzle peaked at number 2 on the official UK album charts on the 16th of June 2007. The album went gold in the UK, selling over 100,000 units. Biffy Clyro's popularity was built upon further in 2008 and 2009 with the release of the singles "Mountains
Mountains (Biffy Clyro song)
"Mountains" is a single by Scottish band Biffy Clyro, released on 18 August 2008. Originally released as a 'non-album' single, "Mountains" is the band's highest charting single to date on the UK singles chart, peaking at #5...

" and "That Golden Rule
That Golden Rule
"That Golden Rule" is the second single to be taken from Scottish alternative rock trio Biffy Clyro's fifth studio album, Only Revolutions, released on 23 August 2009....

", which both reached the top 10 of the UK singles chart. Their latest album, Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions (Biffy Clyro album)
Only Revolutions is the fifth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released 9 November 2009 on 14th Floor Records. As with its predecessor, Puzzle, the album was produced by Garth Richardson. Upon release, Only Revolutions was a critical and commercial success...

, reached #3 in the UK chart and went gold within days of its release in 2009, later going platinum in 2010 and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.

1995-2000: Early years and formation

The first incarnation of what would eventually become Biffy Clyro was formed in 1995 by fifteen-year-old Ayr
Ayr
Ayr is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde in south-west Scotland. With a population of around 46,000, Ayr is the largest settlement in Ayrshire, of which it is the county town, and has held royal burgh status since 1205...

-based guitarist Simon Neil
Simon Neil
Simon Alexander Neil is a Scottish vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro and Marmaduke Duke.-Biffy Clyro:...

, who recruited Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is a large burgh in East Ayrshire, Scotland, with a population of 44,734. It is the second largest town in Ayrshire. The River Irvine runs through its eastern section, and the Kilmarnock Water passes through it, giving rise to the name 'Bank Street'...

-born Ben Johnston
Ben Johnston (Scottish musician)
Ben Hamilton Johnston is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.-Early life:...

 and someone known as Barry on drums and bass respectively, calling themselves Screwfish. Barry was soon replaced by James Johnston
James Johnston (Scottish musician)
James Roberto Johnston is a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro...

, Ben's twin brother, and the three spent the next two years rehearsing, writing and covering songs. Simon Neil has commented on this period of time, saying:

On 31 January 1995, they played their first gig under the name Skrewfish as the support for a band called Pink Kross at the Key Youth Centre in East Kilbride
East Kilbride
East Kilbride is a large suburban town in the South Lanarkshire council area, in the West Central Lowlands of Scotland. Designated as Scotland's first new town in 1947, it forms part of the Greater Glasgow conurbation...

, now known as Universal Connections East Kilbride. In 1997, the trio then moved to Glasgow, where Neil went to the University Of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Located in Glasgow, the university was founded in 1451 and is presently one of seventeen British higher education institutions ranked amongst the top 100 of the...

 and the Johnston twins went to Stow College
Stow College
-History:The college is named after David Stow, whose primary teaching seminary was founded close to the college at Dundasvale. Stow was the first purpose-built Further Education college in Glasgow, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009....

, studying Electronics with Music and Audio Engineering respectively.

After playing gigs around Glasgow and receiving positive and enthusiastic reactions from the audiences, the band were spotted by Dee Bahl, who soon became their manager. Bahl offered them a chance to release an independent single on Aereogramme
Aereogramme
Aereogramme were a Scottish alternative/post-rock rock band from Glasgow, consisting of Craig B. , Iain Cook , Campbell McNeil and Martin Scott...

's Babi Yaga record label. "Iname" was released on 28 June 1999, with Northsound Radio's Jim Gellatly
Jim Gellatly
Jim Gellatly is a Scottish radio presenter and DJ. He currently presents the New Music show In:Demand Uncut across Scotland, and a weekly showcase on the UK-wide DAB digital radio station Amazing Radio.-Biography:...

 (later of Beat 106
Galaxy Scotland
105-106 Capital is a regional radio station broadcasting to Scotland's Central Belt, an area surrounding the two cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the kingdom of Fife...

 & Xfm Scotland
Galaxy Scotland
105-106 Capital is a regional radio station broadcasting to Scotland's Central Belt, an area surrounding the two cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the kingdom of Fife...

) giving the band their first radio play. This first release led to the band being chosen by Stow College's Electric Honey
Electric Honey (label)
Electric Honey is a record label run by students studying the HNC and HND in Music Business course, as well as students studying the Advanced Diploma in Music Industry Management & Marketing course at Stow College in Glasgow, Scotland...

 record label to release a record. thekidswhopoptodaywillrocktomorrow
Thekidswhopoptodaywillrocktomorrow
-Personnel:* Simon Neil – guitar, vocals* James Johnston – bass, vocals* Ben Johnston – drums, vocals...

was released on Nerosa on 13 June 2000, and after hearing it, BBC Radio Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland
BBC Radio Scotland is BBC Scotland's national English-language radio network. It broadcasts a wide variety of programming, including news, sport, light entertainment, music, the arts, comedy, drama, history and lifestyle...

 DJ Vic Galloway
Vic Galloway
Michael "Vic" Galloway is a DJ on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 1, Vic presents a self-titled show on Radio Scotland every Monday from 8:05pm-10pm and does the BBC Introducing Scotland Radio 1 programme Wednesday evenings/Thursday mornings from 12:00-2:00am...

 gave the band airplay. A few days prior to the release of thekidswhopoptodaywillrocktomorrow, the band were spotted at the Unsigned Bands stage at T in the Park 2000
T in the Park
T in the Park is a major British music festival that has been held annually since 1994. It is named after its main sponsor, the brewing company Tennents. It was originally held at Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire but since 1997 has been held at a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire...

 by a Beggars Banquet
Beggars Banquet Records
Beggars Banquet is an English independent record label that began as a chain of record shops owned by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, and is part of the Beggars Group of labels...

 representative. Soon after, the band was signed to the independent
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...

 Beggar's Banquet.

2000-2005: Blackened Sky, The Vertigo of Bliss and Infinity Land

On 9 April 2001, previously unreleased song "27
27 (song)
"27" is a song by Scottish band Biffy Clyro from their 2002 debut album, Blackened Sky. It was the band's first single on Beggar's Banquet, released on 9 April 2001 in the UK.-Overview:...

" was released as a single. On 1 October 2001, a song from thekidswho... was re-recorded and released as a single, "Justboy
Justboy
"Justboy" is a song by Biffy Clyro from their 2002 debut album, Blackened Sky, and was the band's second single.-Overview:"Justboy" is a fan-favourite among Biffy Clyro fans; it is widely agreed that no gig is complete without it. Simon Neil has commented on the song, saying:-Track listings:Songs...

". This was repeated again on 4 February 2002, when the song "57
57 (song)
"57" is a song by Biffy Clyro from their 2002 debut album, Blackened Sky, and was the band's third single.-Track listings:Songs and lyrics by Simon Neil...

" was released. On 11 March, the band's debut album, Blackened Sky
Blackened Sky
Blackened Sky is the debut studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released on 10 March 2002, on Beggars Banquet Records...

, was released to generally positive reviews. It was around this time that the band began touring extensively, including being the support for Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...

 on 20 March at the Barrowlands
Barrowland Ballroom
The Barrowlands is a major dance hall and concert venue in Glasgow, Scotland.-History of Barrowland Ballroom:The original building opened in 1934 in a mercantile area east of Glasgow's city centre...

 in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...

. On 15 July, the fourth single from the album, "Joy.Discovery.Invention
Joy.Discovery.Invention
"Joy.Discovery.Invention" is a song by Biffy Clyro which opens their 2002 debut album, Blackened Sky. It was their fourth single, appearing as a double A-side with "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys", a track from their second album, The Vertigo of Bliss...

" was released as a double A-side with a newly recorded song, titled "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys
Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys
"Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys" is a song by Biffy Clyro from their second album, The Vertigo of Bliss, and was the band's fourth single. It appeared as a double A-side with "Joy.Discovery.Invention", and was released on CD and 7"...

", which later appeared on The Vertigo of Bliss
The Vertigo of Bliss
The Vertigo of Bliss is the second studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released on 16 June 2003, on Beggars Banquet Records...

.

In 2003, the band retreated to the Linford Manor
Linford Manor
Linford Manor is an old mansion or manor house converted into a recording studio complex in Great Linford, Milton Keynes, England. It is now owned by Pete Winkelman who is chairman of football club....

 recording studio in Great Linford
Great Linford
Great Linford is a historic village, district and civil parish in the northern part of Milton Keynes, England, between Wolverton and Newport Pagnell.-Great Linford village:...

, Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes , sometimes abbreviated MK, is a large town in Buckinghamshire, in the south east of England, about north-west of London. It is the administrative centre of the Borough of Milton Keynes...

, England to record the follow-up to Blackened Sky. On 24 March, a new single was released titled, "The Ideal Height
The Ideal Height
"The Ideal Height" is a song by Biffy Clyro and was the first single from their 2003 album, The Vertigo of Bliss, and their fifth overall single. On the UK Singles Chart, it placed at a peak position of number 46.-Track listings:...

", followed by another new single titled "Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers (song)
"Questions and Answers" is a song by Biffy Clyro, and was the second single to be released from their 2003 album, The Vertigo Of Bliss, and their sixth overall single...

" on 26 May. The band's second album, The Vertigo of Bliss
The Vertigo of Bliss
The Vertigo of Bliss is the second studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released on 16 June 2003, on Beggars Banquet Records...

was released on 16 June, to positive reviews, which focused on the more experimental style of the album in comparison to Blackened Sky, as well as the introduction of string sections.

After touring relentlessly for The Vertigo of Bliss, the band retreated to Monnow Valley Studios in Monmouth
Monmouth
Monmouth is a town in southeast Wales and traditional county town of the historic county of Monmouthshire. It is situated close to the border with England, where the River Monnow meets the River Wye with bridges over both....

, Wales to record a follow-up album. As with the previous album, two singles were released before the actual album; "Glitter and Trauma
Glitter and Trauma
"Glitter and Trauma" is a song by Biffy Clyro, which opens their 2004 album, Infinity Land.It was the first physical single from the album, and their eighth single overall. It reached number 21 in the UK Singles Chart.-Track listing:...

" and "My Recovery Injection
My Recovery Injection
"My Recovery Injection" is a song by Biffy Clyro from their 2004 album Infinity Land and was the second single from the album. It was their ninth single overall.-Track listings:Songs and lyrics by Simon Neil...

" on 9 August and 20 September, respectively. A digital download
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...

 was also released; "There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake
There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake
"There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake" is a song by Biffy Clyro, and a track from their 2004 album, Infinity Land. It was released as a digital download, and later appeared on the free Kerrang! cover-mounted CD, Best Of 2004. The song makes use of changing time signatures and angular guitar...

", on 31 May. On 4 October, the band's third album, Infinity Land
Infinity Land
-Release history:Infinity Land was released in the UK in 2004.-External links:****...

was released, and on 14 February 2005, the last single from the album, "Only One Word Comes To Mind
Only One Word Comes To Mind
"Only One Word Comes To Mind" is a song by Biffy Clyro from their 2004 album, Infinity Land, and is the third single from the album. It is their tenth single overall. It reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart.-Track listings:...

" was released. On 16 February, the band performed a cover of Franz Ferdinand's
Franz Ferdinand (band)
Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish post-punk revival band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band is composed of Alex Kapranos , Bob Hardy , Nick McCarthy , and Paul Thomson .The band first experienced chart success when their second single, "Take Me Out", reached #3 in...

 "Take Me Out
Take Me Out (song)
"Take Me Out" is a song by the Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. It was released as the second single from their debut album Franz Ferdinand in the United Kingdom on the 12 January 2004 and in the United State on 9 February, both through Domino Records...

" live from Maida Vale
Maida Vale
Maida Vale is a residential district in West London between St John's Wood and Kilburn. It is part of the City of Westminster. The area is mostly residential, and mainly affluent, consisting of many large late Victorian and Edwardian blocks of mansion flats...

 on Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe also known as 'Zipper', is a radio DJ and television presenter. He was born in New Zealand and grew up in Auckland, where he was a presenter on the local music station Max TV, before moving to England...

's BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...

 show. Simon Neil's side project, Marmaduke Duke
Marmaduke Duke
Marmaduke Duke are a conceptual rock duo from Ayrshire, Scotland, comprising Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and JP Reid of Sucioperro. Within the band, the pair perform under the pseudonyms The Atmosphere and The Dragon. According to Neil, the band, and its albums, are "based on a trilogy of unreleased...

, also released an album in 2005, The Magnificent Duke, and toured the UK, along with the Johnston twins accompanying on bass and drums.

2007-2009: Puzzle and mainstream success


In 2006, Biffy Clyro left Beggars Banquet and signed a deal with 14th Floor, an offshoot of Warner Bros
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...

. In September, the band went to Canada to record their fourth album at The Warehouse Studio
The Warehouse Studio
The Warehouse Studio is a music recording facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, owned by Bryan Adams.- The building :The Warehouse Studio is housed in the oldest brick building in Vancouver, which is located in present-day Gastown...

 in Vancouver where it was engineered by Mike Fraser
Mike Fraser
Mike Fraser is a Canadian record producer, engineer, and mixer. Mike is best known for his work with AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith and Joe Satriani...

, and The Farm Studio in Gibsons
Gibsons, British Columbia
Gibsons is a coastal community of 4,200 located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada on the Strait of Georgia. It is the main marine gateway to the Sunshine Coast....

. From these sessions the song "Semi-Mental
Semi-Mental
"Semi-Mental" is a song by Biffy Clyro and the first single from their fourth album, Puzzle, and is a download only single. It was released on 25 December 2006.-Overview:Simon Neil has commented on the song, saying...

" was released as a digital download on 25 December. In 2007, the song "Saturday Superhouse
Saturday Superhouse
"Saturday Superhouse" is a song by Biffy Clyro and the first physical single from their fourth album, Puzzle. It was released on 5 March 2007...

" was released on 5 March, where it reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...

; at the time, the band's highest single chart position to date.

Puzzle
Puzzle (Biffy Clyro album)
Puzzle is the fourth studio album by Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, released 4 June 2007 - the album was later released in America in August...

was released in June to critical acclaim, and helped the band to reach their highest UK Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...

 position ever. The album reached #2 in the first week of release to widespread critical acclaim, receiving several perfect ratings and was voted the best album of 2007 by Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...

 and Rock Sound
Rock Sound
Rock Sound is a British magazine which champions rock music. The magazine aims at being more "underground" and less commercial, whilst also giving coverage to more well known acts.-History:...

. The album also reached #17 in Ireland, and #39 in the overall world charts. The album is certified Gold in the UK, having sold over 220,000 copies. It has as of February 2009, sold over 300,000 worldwide. This album is notable for having somewhat more straightforward song structures and a more melodic overall sound than their previous work, while still retaining some more unusual elements.

Support slots for acts such as Muse
Muse (band)
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...

 at the new Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...

, The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...

, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...

, and The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...

 were significant in expanding Biffy's fanbase. The band also played the Download 2007
Download Festival
The Download Festival is a three day rock music festival held annually at Donington Park, England . It usually takes place in June...

, Glastonbury 2007
Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, commonly abbreviated to Glastonbury or even Glasto, is a performing arts festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England, best known for its contemporary music, but also for dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts.The...

, Reading and Leeds Festival and T in the Park
T in the Park
T in the Park is a major British music festival that has been held annually since 1994. It is named after its main sponsor, the brewing company Tennents. It was originally held at Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire but since 1997 has been held at a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire...

 for a record seventh time. On 25 August, it was announced that "Machines
Machines (song)
"Machines" is a song by Scottish band Biffy Clyro, from their 2007 album, Puzzle. It was due to be released as the fourth physical single from Puzzle on 1 October 2007 but was pushed back 1 week and released on the 8th October 2007....

" would be the next single from Puzzle, and was released on 8 October. The band opened for Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...

 during January on their European tour. In 2008 the band toured with Queens Of The Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...

 on their European and North American tours for Era Vulgaris, and opened for New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...

 at Twickenham during the Lost Highway Tour
Lost Highway Tour
The Lost Highway Tour was a worldwide concert tour by American rock band Bon Jovi, that took place from October 2007 to July 2008 in support of their tenth studio album Lost Highway...

.

2009-present: Only Revolutions and continued popularity

The band released a new single entitled "Mountains
Mountains (Biffy Clyro song)
"Mountains" is a single by Scottish band Biffy Clyro, released on 18 August 2008. Originally released as a 'non-album' single, "Mountains" is the band's highest charting single to date on the UK singles chart, peaking at #5...

" in July 2008, which reached #5 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...

 - the band's first song to reach the top 10, and their highest charting single to date. Originally released as a stand-alone single, "Mountains" went on to be included on the album. In December 2008 the band played their biggest headline shows including a date at Glasgow's SECC
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre , located on the north bank of the River Clyde, in Glasgow, is Scotland's largest exhibition centre....

, a 10,000 capacity venue. In an interview with NME the band stated that they had started work on a follow up album to Puzzle
Puzzle (Biffy Clyro album)
Puzzle is the fourth studio album by Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, released 4 June 2007 - the album was later released in America in August...

. Simon Neil noted that the album would include some of the band's "heaviest riffs to date," while Ben Johnston, in an interview with XFM, revealed that the forthcoming album would be "Oli Coates" and that they already had 16 demos laid down. Simon Neil told Kerrang magazine in 8 December about the new album, playfully saying "The soft bits are softer, and the hard bits are harder...", mocking how bands always label their new albums the most heavy and yet melodic so far. The band are working with Puzzle producer Garth Richardson
Garth Richardson
Garth "GGGarth" Richardson is a Canadian music producer and engineer. He is the son of renowned Canadian music producer Jack Richardson . Jack was a pioneer of the music recording industry in the 60's and 70's...

 again at Ocean Way studios, many videos on the net have been shown of them playing along to Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...

's "You're Still the One
You're Still the One
"You're Still the One" is a song by Canadian singer Shania Twain. It was the third country single from Shania Twain's 1997 album, Come on Over, while it was the first to be released to pop and international markets. Released in 1998, the single peaked at number two becoming Twain's first top ten...

". A Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...

 magazine article, published in March 2009, stated that they planned to enter the studio in April. This article also revealed a working title for the upcoming album - "Boom, Blast and Ruin". However on their official site, a series of updates were shown every week, slowly revealing letters of the new album title. After Rock Sound
Rock Sound
Rock Sound is a British magazine which champions rock music. The magazine aims at being more "underground" and less commercial, whilst also giving coverage to more well known acts.-History:...

 revealed a mistake in the albums name "Only Exceptions", it was revealed officially that the album would be titled 'Only Revolutions'.

In April 2009, Simon Neil stated: We start recording on the first of May and we’re going to do it in Los Angeles with Garth Richardson again who did the last album. We’re going to do it at Ocean Way Studios where Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...

 did "My Way
My Way (song)
"My Way" is a song popularized by Frank Sinatra. Its lyrics were written by Paul Anka and set to music based on the French song "Comme d'habitude" composed in 1967 by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, with lyrics by Claude François and Gilles Thibault. Anka's English lyrics are unrelated to the...

", in the same studio. We should have it all done by August and it should come out about September. Well, that’s what is on the schedule, but if not then, it will definitely be before the end of the year.

On 20 April 2009, Biffy Clyro performed a rare version of "Mountains" on a Balcony overlooking the Reeperbahn, Hamburg on the music viral show BalconyTV
BalconyTV
BalconyTV is a leading daily online viral music show that features bands, musicians and other variety acts on balconies around the world. It was founded in Dublin, in June 2006....

. Simon Neil stated that "it was the coolest session they'd ever done."

Kerrang reported that they were filming the video for the first single from the album in July 2009, "That Golden Rule
That Golden Rule
"That Golden Rule" is the second single to be taken from Scottish alternative rock trio Biffy Clyro's fifth studio album, Only Revolutions, released on 23 August 2009....

". It was filmed on 1 July in London, with the band saying that the song is "like Kyuss
Kyuss
Kyuss is a rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. After forming in the late 1980s and releasing an EP under the name Sons of Kyuss in 1990, the band shortened its name to Kyuss. Over the next five years the band released four full-length albums, and one last split EP in 1997 with...

 and Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...

 playing with some Scottish freaks screaming over the top of it. "That Golden Rule" got its first play on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show on the 8 July and it was then announced that the single would be released on the 23 August 2009. It went on to reach #10 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...

. "The Captain
The Captain (Biffy Clyro song)
"The Captain" is the third single from Biffy Clyro's fifth studio album, Only Revolutions, released on 26 October 2009. It features a prominent brass section throughout the song. The music video was released on 23 September on NME.com...

" was released as a single 26 October 2009, following its first radio play on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show on 8 September. And were confirmed to be supporting Muse
Muse (band)
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...

 for 14 dates on their European tour. Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions (Biffy Clyro album)
Only Revolutions is the fifth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released 9 November 2009 on 14th Floor Records. As with its predecessor, Puzzle, the album was produced by Garth Richardson. Upon release, Only Revolutions was a critical and commercial success...

was released on 9 November 2009. The band were slated to perform at New Zealand's largest music festival Rhythm & Vines
Rhythm & Vines
Rhythm and Vines is an annual music festival held at Waiohika Estate vineyard, several kilometres from the city of Gisborne, New Zealand...

 at Waiohika Estate Vineyard in Gisborne
Gisborne, New Zealand
-Economy:The harbour was host to many ships in the past and had developed as a river port to provide a more secure location for shipping compared with the open roadstead of Poverty Bay which can be exposed to southerly swells. A meat works was sited beside the harbour and meat and wool was shipped...

 on 29 December, but had to pull out due to "minor medical procedures" required by two band members. On 24 February 2010, "The Captain
The Captain (Biffy Clyro song)
"The Captain" is the third single from Biffy Clyro's fifth studio album, Only Revolutions, released on 26 October 2009. It features a prominent brass section throughout the song. The music video was released on 23 September on NME.com...

" won an NME Award for Best Video. Biffy Clyro performed on the Main Stage at the T in the Park
T in the Park
T in the Park is a major British music festival that has been held annually since 1994. It is named after its main sponsor, the brewing company Tennents. It was originally held at Strathclyde Park, Lanarkshire but since 1997 has been held at a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire...

, Oxegen
Oxegen 2010
Oxegen 2010 was the seventh Oxegen festival to take place since 2004. It took place on the weekend of Friday 9 July, Saturday, 10 July and Sunday, 11 July at Punchestown Racecourse near Naas in County Kildare, Ireland. Eminem, Muse and Arcade Fire headlined...

 and Reading and Leeds music festivals in 2010. They were also announced as the main support act for Muse at Wembley Stadium on September 11, performing after I Am Arrows
I Am Arrows
I Am Arrows is an indie rock band founded by former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows in June 2009. Eleven days after he left Razorlight, it was revealed that Burrows had signed to Universal Records – the same record label as his ex-band.- Live :...

 and White Lies
White Lies (band)
White Lies is an English indie rock band from Ealing, London. Formerly known as Fear of Flying, the band consists primarily of Harry McVeigh , Charles Cave , and Jack Lawrence-Brown...

.
Oceansize
Oceansize
Oceansize were a British rock band, formed in Manchester, England on 19th October 1998. The band consisted of Mike Vennart , Steve Durose , Richard "Gambler" Ingram , Mark Heron and Jon Ellis for the majority of its career, with Steve Hodson replacing Ellis on bass in 2006...

 guitarist Mike Vennart has been performing live with the band as a second guitarist since the band's April/May 2010 UK Tour. Biffy Clyro are due to go on tour again this year in the months of November and December. They will perform on three consecutive dates in Scotland at the end of November before playing in Nottingham, and one date at Wembley Arena
Wembley Arena
Wembley Arena is an indoor arena, at Wembley, in the London Borough of Brent. The building is opposite Wembley Stadium.-History:...

, England in early December. They also mentioned that they have plans to record for their next full-length album at Christmas. In a recent interview with Kerrang! magazine, the band stated that at the end of their tour next February, they would take a small holiday and on their return to Scotland, they will begin work on their sixth album.

On 2 and 3 July 2011 Biffy Clyro supported Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...

 in front of 130,000 fans (65,000 each night) at the Milton Keynes Bowl in the U.K. In 2011, Biffy Clyro will headline the Saturday of the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth. They headlined the lineup for Wakestock festival in Wales.

They have stated in a recent NME magazine that they are set to record their next album and are working on 22 tracks. Two entitled "Black Chandelier" and "The Joke's On Us" which has been added to many of their recent live sets.

Biffy Clyro opened for Metallica in Bangalore, India in 2011.

Name

"'Mon the Biff!" or "Mon the Biffy!" is a well known chant among Biffy fans, usually shouted in between songs at gigs, or before the band comes on stage. The band have never actually disclosed exactly where the name 'Biffy Clyro' originated. They have a series of stories as to how the name came about; whilst being interviewed on Soccer AM
Soccer AM
Soccer AM is a British Saturday-morning football-based comedy/talk show, predominantly based around the Premier League...

 the band stated that they named themselves after a footballer called Biffy Clyro who played for Scottish side Ayr United, while also admitting that they make up stories about how they are named because they are bored with being asked the same question. Another story is that one of the members owned a Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....

 pen, i.e. "Cliffy Biro", which was accidentally spoonerised
Spoonerism
A spoonerism is an error in speech or deliberate play on words in which corresponding consonants, vowels, or morphemes are switched . It is named after the Reverend William Archibald Spooner , Warden of New College, Oxford, who was notoriously prone to this tendency...

 on a drunken night out. Simon Neil appeared to confirm this as the real reason in a 2010 interview with Eve Jackson on France 24
France 24
France 24 is an international news and current affairs television channel. The service is aimed at the overseas market, similar to BBC World News, DW-TV, NHK World and RT, and broadcast through satellite and cable operators throughout the world. During 2010 the channel started broadcasting through...

, and said that it was "a stupid name" that was often "awkward" to explain its origins when the band started and when not many had heard their music. The name Biffy Clyro has also been claimed in another interview to come from an acronym for "Big Imagination For Feeling Young 'Cos Life Yearns Real Optimism". The band also state in an interview for BalconyTV
BalconyTV
BalconyTV is a leading daily online viral music show that features bands, musicians and other variety acts on balconies around the world. It was founded in Dublin, in June 2006....

 that the band name was that of a Finnish footballer from the 17th century. On Off the Ball in August 2011 Ben Johnston claimed “Well it’s a marriage of two words: Biffy is in fact the nickname of the spy who the James Bond novels was based on
Wilfred Dunderdale
Wilfred Albert Dunderdale was a British spy and intelligence officer. It has been suggested that Dunderdale was used by Ian Fleming as a basis for the character of James Bond.-Life:...

 and Clyro is a town in Wales
Clyro
Clyro is a village in Powys, Wales with approximately 600 inhabitants . The nearest town is Hay-on-Wye, some 1.5 miles to the southeast. The nearest city is Hereford in England, some 23 miles to the east.-History:...

 where both our families…used to go on holiday…”. In another interview, the band claimed that their name came about after Simon Neil stood on a newspaper after taking a shower. The soggy newspaper ripped to form words "Biffy Clyro.".

Musical influences

The band themselves cite influences ranging from heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...

 luminaries like Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...

 to prog legends Rush
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...

, while reviewers are often quick to link their sound to the likes of Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...

 and Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...

 — particularly in their use of shifting dynamics which they adapted from Pixies and Fugazi. Members of the band have been reported to listen to bands as diverse as Burning Airlines
Burning Airlines
Burning Airlines were an American rock band from Washington, D.C.. J. Robbins and Bill Barbot of Jawbox formed the band with Peter Moffett, formerly of Government Issue...

, Far
Far (band)
Far is a band from Sacramento, USA.-Releases :After a number of local releases including their first demo tape Sweat A River, Live No Lies and two independent albums Listening Game and Quick they signed to Epic/Immortal Records and released their first major record, Tin Cans With Strings To You...

, Jawbox
Jawbox
Jawbox was an alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., U.S.. Its original members were J. Robbins , Kim Coletta and Adam Wade...

, Kerbdog
Kerbdog
Kerbdog was an alternative rock band from Kilkenny, Ireland who formed in 1991. Following two albums released on Mercury Records, the band split up in 1998...

, Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...

, Soundgarden
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...

, Lightning Bolt, Drive Like Jehu
Drive Like Jehu
Drive Like Jehu was an American post-hardcore and alternative rock band from San Diego active from 1990 to 1995. Formed by rhythm guitarist and vocalist Rick Froberg and lead guitarist John Reis following the breakup of their band Pitchfork, the band's lineup also included bassist Mike Kennedy and...

, Mineral
Mineral (band)
Mineral was a prominent mid-90s emo band originally from Houston, Texas, but soon relocated to Austin following their formation. All four members of Mineral were signed to Interscope Records on individual contracts...

, Red House Painters
Red House Painters
Red House Painters were an alternative rock group formed in 1989 in San Francisco, California by singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek.-History:While in Atlanta, Georgia, Ohio-born Kozelek became friends with Anthony Koutsos, a drummer. He then moved to San Francisco, California, adding guitarist Gorden...

, Sunny Day Real Estate
Sunny Day Real Estate
Sunny Day Real Estate is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington. In the 1990s, the group expanded upon the grunge style that was popular in the local scene to make a more melodic sound. While not the first band to be classified as emo, they were instrumental in establishing the genre. In...

 and Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...

.At the Leeds Festival 2010 Neil said of Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...

, The Greatest Rock Band in the Fuckin' world. Mark Z. Danielewski
Mark Z. Danielewski
Mark Z. Danielewski, born March 5, 1966 in New York City, New York, is an American author, best known for his debut novel House of Leaves...

's second novel Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions is an American road novel by writer Mark Z. Danielewski. It was released in the United States on September 12, 2006 by Pantheon Books. It was a finalist for the 2006 National Book Award for Fiction.-Plot summary:...

was influential for the album Only Revolutions; the band have since met Danielewski, discovering that he was a fan when he attended one of their shows. The band is currently scheduled to share the stage with Danielewski at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles during a March 2 SPIN Magazine benefit that will raise funds for Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries is a youth program founded in 1992 by Father Greg Boyle, S.J. following the work of the Christian base communities at Dolores Mission Church...

.

Band members

Current members
  • Simon Neil
    Simon Neil
    Simon Alexander Neil is a Scottish vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro and Marmaduke Duke.-Biffy Clyro:...

     – lead guitar, lead vocals
  • James Johnston
    James Johnston (Scottish musician)
    James Roberto Johnston is a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro...

     – bass guitar, vocals
  • Ben Johnston
    Ben Johnston (Scottish musician)
    Ben Hamilton Johnston is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.-Early life:...

     – drums, vocals


Touring musicians
  • Mike Vennart
    Oceansize
    Oceansize were a British rock band, formed in Manchester, England on 19th October 1998. The band consisted of Mike Vennart , Steve Durose , Richard "Gambler" Ingram , Mark Heron and Jon Ellis for the majority of its career, with Steve Hodson replacing Ellis on bass in 2006...

     – guitar (2010–present)
  • Shane Murphy – keyboard (1995–1997)

Discography

Studio albums
  • Blackened Sky
    Blackened Sky
    Blackened Sky is the debut studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released on 10 March 2002, on Beggars Banquet Records...

    (2002)
  • The Vertigo of Bliss
    The Vertigo of Bliss
    The Vertigo of Bliss is the second studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released on 16 June 2003, on Beggars Banquet Records...

    (2003)
  • Infinity Land
    Infinity Land
    -Release history:Infinity Land was released in the UK in 2004.-External links:****...

    (2004)
  • Puzzle
    Puzzle (Biffy Clyro album)
    Puzzle is the fourth studio album by Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, released 4 June 2007 - the album was later released in America in August...

    (2007)
  • Only Revolutions (2009)

Awards and nominations

MTV Europe Music Awards
MTV Europe Music Awards
The MTV Europe Music Awards were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider...



|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2007 || Biffy Clyro ||New Sounds of Europe, Regional Competition||
|-
Bandit Rock Awards
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2009 || Biffy Clyro || Best International Breakthrough Act ||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2009 || Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions (Biffy Clyro album)
Only Revolutions is the fifth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released 9 November 2009 on 14th Floor Records. As with its predecessor, Puzzle, the album was produced by Garth Richardson. Upon release, Only Revolutions was a critical and commercial success...

 || Best International Album ||
|-
Kerrang! Awards

|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || Biffy Clyro || Best British Band ||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || The Captain || Best Music Video ||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || Biffy Clyro || Classic Songwriter ||
|-
NME Awards
NME Awards
The NME Awards is an annual music awards show in the United Kingdom, founded by the music magazine, NME .The first awards show was held in 1953 as the NME Poll Winners Concerts, shortly after the founding of the magazine....



|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || The Captain || Best Music Video ||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011|| Biffy Clyro || Best British Band ||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || Biffy Clyro || Best Live Band ||
|-
Barclaycard Mercury Prize

|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || Only Revolutions
Only Revolutions (Biffy Clyro album)
Only Revolutions is the fifth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Biffy Clyro, released 9 November 2009 on 14th Floor Records. As with its predecessor, Puzzle, the album was produced by Garth Richardson. Upon release, Only Revolutions was a critical and commercial success...

 || Album of the Year ||
|-
Radio 1 Teen Awards

|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || Bubbles ||Best Song||
|-
Q Awards
Q Awards
The Q Awards are the UK's annual music awards run by the music magazine Q. Since they began in 1990, the Q Awards have become one of Britain's biggest and best publicised music awards, helped in no small part by the often boisterous behavior of the celebrities who attend the event...



|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || The Captain ||Best Track||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || The Captain ||Best Video||
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || Biffy Clyro ||Best Live Band||
|-
BRIT Awards
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...



|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011
2011 BRIT Awards
The 2011 BRIT Awards was held on Tuesday 15 February 2011.It was the 31st edition of the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The award ceremony was held at The O2 Arena...

|| Biffy Clyro ||Best British Group||
|-
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