Biffy Clyro on Their Biggest Gig, Scotland World Cup Anthem & New Wild Material

Scotland’s alt-rock heroes Biffy Clyro gear up for their largest show ever, share plans for a World Cup anthem, and reveal exciting new music on the horizon.

A Gig to Remember and a Band Staying True

If you’ve ever followed Biffy Clyro’s journey, you know they’ve steadily built a reputation for delivering raw, electrifying rock that speaks to generations. Now, as tickets go live for what’s shaping up to be the biggest gig of their career at London’s Finsbury Park in July 2026, the band is buzzing with excitement and reflecting on their evolution.

Biffy Clyro live at Glastonbury 2025. Photo by Andy Ford

Fresh off the acclaim of their 10th studio album Futique, the Scottish trio is prepping to rock 40,000 fans alongside a killer lineup featuring Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco, Marmozets, and more. Frontman Simon Neil couldn’t hide his pride: “We’ve put together a fucking unbelievable bill. We wanted to lean into British rock bands and be proud of where we come from. It’s dynamite.”

This lineup isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of the British rock landscape, a nod to the bands that inspire and keep the genre alive. As Simon says, sometimes the magic happens when you introduce audiences to fresh but kindred spirits.

From Hotel Chaos to Mindful Calm

Meeting up with Biffy Clyro in London, they were surprisingly down-to-earth about their current lifestyle. Drummer Ben Johnston joked about their AirBnB choice being cheaper than a hotel, a far cry from their earlier, wilder days.

Simon reminisced about their rock ‘n’ roll past with a chuckle: “My biggest mistake was leaving a $100 bill behind in a dingy Inverness hotel room. I felt like a bad-ass, but I wasn’t at that point financially.” The band also recalled a grim stay at The Columbia hotel, haunted by what they joked was “the unmistakable smell of death” — and scabies to boot!

Bassist James Johnston added with a grin, “You could trash that place. We were all itchy with scabies, man.” But those days of reckless abandon are behind them now, replaced by a more measured, mindful approach that’s served them well.

The ‘Futique’ Vibe and Touring Joy

After the challenging creation of Futique, the band is savoring the positive reception. James shared how their recent acoustic shows brought longtime fans to tears, calling it “whisper quiet” and a rare moment of connection on new material.

Simon admits they still wrestle with praise despite a decade of albums: “We’re fucking buzzing. We’re deliberately making January the ‘Futique’ tour because it’s our new album tour. People are really into it, and I don’t think we’ve ever had a tour sell out so early!”

“We still struggle with praise, and now 10 albums in, you can’t take that for granted.” — Simon Neil

Staying Relevant in 2025 and Beyond

How does a rock band like Biffy Clyro stay relevant after 25 years? Simon is candid: “How is it even possible to be a three-white-boy rock band in 2025 when we’re in such a dynamic and progressive time? We all listen to a lot of new music. That’s why bands fail — they rest on old laurels.”

James adds, “You’ve got to keep taking risks. You’ve got to have something new to say.”

Simon explains their collaboration with producer Jonathan Gilmore, whose modern approach helped them craft Futique with fresh energy. “It’s very important to try and stay relevant. That’s not about dressing like you’re 25 or singing like Frank Ocean… It’s about evolving the sound while holding onto your roots.”

Biffy Clyro live at Reading 2021. Credit: Andy Ford

Embracing the Stage and the Spotlight

Post-pandemic, Simon is keen to reclaim the joy that live shows used to bring him. “Playing live is such a high-wire act, and sometimes I haven’t enjoyed it because I was too critical. But now, I want to lean into the celebratory nature of what we do and just enjoy it.”

He’s especially excited about the upcoming arena tour in January 2026, describing it as “a little star amongst the darkness” during the often bleak start of a new year.

Simon teases a “Futique”-centric show with theatrical elements that don’t sacrifice the band’s authenticity. Think intimate moments mixed with flamboyant Liberace-style razzmatazz and even a few new songs without guitars. “We’re not scared to try something new. All bets are off.”

Biffy Clyro performing live. Credit: Andy Ford

Finsbury Park: The Milestone Moment

Their 40,000-strong London crowd is shaping up to be a milestone. Simon calls it “milestone shit” and is determined to make it “magic and unforgettable.” He’s inspired by huge moments he’s witnessed, like Oasis at big shows where the joy of the crowd took center stage.

James appreciates the significance: “It wasn’t that long ago we weren’t even able to get together and play shows, so it still warrants a fucking celebration.”

They plan to honor their career span, playing fan favorites like “Many Of Horror” alongside newer gems like “Goodbye” and “Two People In Love.” Simon reflects on the wisdom of ending on your biggest song: “I used to bristle at that, but of course you should.”

Biffy Clyro live at Glastonbury 2025. Photo by Andy Ford

Wild New Songs & The Road Ahead

Simon reveals they’ve already got about 12-15 new songs brewing, with a fresh vibe that’s less “rock band-y” and more experimental. “There are garage rock songs, one of the best country rock songs I’ve ever written. They’re flapping in the breeze and more eccentric.”

James chimes in with a playful jab: “Have you written many?” Simon laughs, “I have, thank you very much!”

Biffy Clyro, 2025. Credit: Eva Pentel

Simon still favors the album format for its storytelling power but acknowledges they might release singles or EPs too. “I keep thinking, ‘Do we need new Biffy Clyro music?’ But writing new stuff means there’s life in the old dog yet.”

He admits critics may say Futique sounds familiar, but for fans, it’s a celebration of their journey combined with fresh elements. “This isn’t the end of the road. Not now.”

Scotland’s World Cup Anthem?

Looking ahead, Simon shares plans for a band-aid style single celebrating Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The chorus is ready to go, and the band is eager to rally fellow Scots musicians like Lewis Capaldi, Paolo Nutini, and Ricky Ross to join in the anthem.

Ben Johnston adds with enthusiasm, “We’re gonna get Capaldi, we’re gonna get Nutini, Spiteri.” Simon jokes, “All the Italians!”

Scotland’s World Cup campaign is clearly a source of pride and excitement alongside their London gig.

FAQ

• How big is Biffy Clyro’s upcoming Finsbury Park gig?
  It’s their biggest show yet, expecting around 40,000 fans at London’s iconic Finsbury Park in July 2026.
• What’s unique about their ‘Futique’ tour?
  It features a “Futique”-centric production mixing intimate moments with theatrical flair, plus some new songs without guitars.
• Are new songs already in the works?
  Yes! They have 12-15 new tracks ranging from garage rock to country influences, signaling an adventurous next chapter.
• Will Biffy Clyro release another album soon?
  They hope to finish new material with their producer, aiming for an album, though singles or EPs are also possible.
• What’s the deal with the Scotland World Cup anthem?
  Biffy plans a special single to celebrate Scotland’s World Cup qualification, featuring collaborations with famous Scottish artists.

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