You know a gig is of a certain calibre when it needs little introduction – this is certainly the case for Biffy Clyro’s massive return to Scottish soil for their headline show in the Ovo Hydro, a venue they haven’t played since the 2016 Ellipsis tour. This time the Ayrshire heroes return with two shiny new albums in A Celebration of Endings and the 2021 follow up The Myth of The Happily Ever After.
Since their last headline arena show the band have taken on the summer circuit in Scotland that saw them sell out both Glasgow Green and most recently the Big Top in Edinburgh- sandwiched in between this we had the honour of more intimate and personal shows during some acoustic stripped back outings in the stunning surroundings of The Usher Hall in the capital and SWG3. So really, we weren’t fully starved of the three Scotsmen’s presence, even with the unfortunate world shutdown, the on-stage madness was swapped around for living room chills.
To business and a look ahead to what Sunday has in store – even being show two of the tour, it’s easy to assume what you will get from this and it’s why it tends to be one of the best nights of your life. What excites me so much about a Biffy show not only is the incredible and inspiring set I witness, but the guessing game of what the setlist throws at you – each and every time I have seen the band, the set is ever changing, and it just adds to what makes your night so special.
Starting off the night however I turn my attention to the support, and for me the selection for this has been perfect in every way – Brighton metalcore 5-piece Architects will bring their incredible and well-known sets to the tour opening each night. Fronted by Sam Carter, the band have an insane backlog of big shows and spectacular records that make them who they are and the excitement for this slot may well be on par for the main event.
The band have recently dropped studio album number 10 in The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit released through Epitaph Records – the sound has brought its critics but the results in the charts has clearly shown the abuse has had no effects with the record making it into the number one spot in the UK Metal charts and the top 10 in the Sottish album charts. Including singles When We Were Young and loud and crashing single Deep Fake, the record takes me back to a younger time when I first got into the band.
Tweeting earlier this month the band have spread the word they will be on less than an hour after doors opens so take this and your pre gig warning and be there, you will not regret this!
Biffy Clyro, I mean you can’t really put into words how to prepare for this, you just need to buy a ticket and have the time of your life, it should really be a disclaimer when buying because hand on heart it’s the best night of your life – until they play again.
On the build-up to the show, I took a little visit to the bands online fan page Biffy Clyro Appreciation – a page that brings together fans of the Biff from Kilmarnock to the world. I had a little chat with fans near and far making the trip to Glasgow for this show. Starting off with a closer at home trip with Emma taking the short venture from Paisley who is actually seeing the band for the first and will be sharing the special experience with her mum who is also a first timer.
A little further afield, I spoke with Pamela who will be making the long haul over from Canada, just showing the sheer dedication of Biffy fans who stop at nothing to see their heroes – sadly Covid did have its effects on her seeing them in Toronto and up popped this Glasgow show she really could not miss.
Finally, a big shout out to Isle of Bute traveller Sophie who will be seeing the band for the third time and will also be her birthday – this will truly be a great experience and I wish her the happiest of birthday’s when it arrives.
I for one can’t wait for this show, for those lucky enough to be going, hopefully I will see some of you and here’s to the best night of your life.
Mon the Biff!!