Glastonbury 2025: Biffy Clyro Honors Brian Wilson with Heartfelt Beach Boys Cover

Biffy Clyro paid tribute to Brian Wilson at Glastonbury 2025 with a stirring Beach Boys cover, captivating the Pyramid Stage crowd with emotional melodies.

Biffy Clyro’s Touching Tribute on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro took center stage at Glastonbury 2025, delivering a powerful and moving performance on the iconic Pyramid Stage. Positioned as the penultimate act before headliner The 1975, the band elevated their presence from their 2011 slot, marking a significant milestone in their Glastonbury journey.

Biffy Clyro performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2025.

A Soulful Homage to Brian Wilson

As their set neared its emotional peak, frontman Simon Neil transitioned from their song ‘Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies’ into a heartfelt a cappella rendition of the Beach Boys’ classic ‘God Only Knows’. The crowd at the Pyramid Stage joined in, creating a poignant moment of unity and remembrance.

“Rest in peace, Brian,” Neil solemnly added, honoring the legendary Brian Wilson who passed away at 82 on June 11, 2025.

Neil’s connection to Wilson and the song runs deep—‘God Only Knows’ famously scored the first dance at his wedding, and he even has the song’s title tattooed across his upper torso.

“God Only Knows”
— Simon Neil, Biffy Clyro

An Electrifying Setlist Featuring New Music

The band kicked off their set with the fresh release ‘A Little Love’, the lead single from their upcoming album Futique, set for release on September 26, 2025. Fans can pre-order or pre-save the album to be among the first to experience Biffy Clyro’s latest sound.

From there, the energy ramped up with ‘That Golden Rule’ from their 2009 album Only Revolutions, featuring roaring guitar riffs and a call for the crowd to raise their fists in solidarity.

Simon Neil’s Charismatic Stage Presence

“Good afternoon Glastonbury, lovely to see you, we are Biffy Fucking Clyro,” Neil greeted the audience with his signature charm. “We’re gonna ask a lot of you tonight, we want some singing, some dancing, some bouncing, some clapping…some shagging. I’m sure you’ve got that part taken care of.”

The band then whirled through a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, including:

• ‘Biblical’ (Opposites, 2013)
• ‘Wolves Of Winter’ (Ellipsis, 2016)
• ‘Mountains’
• ‘Many Of Horror’

The set concluded with a playful nod to Brian Wilson, as the crowd was serenaded out by the Beach Boys’ iconic ‘Good Vibrations’.

Social Media Buzz: Fans Applaud Biffy Clyro’s Set

Fans took to Twitter to express their admiration for Biffy Clyro’s performance:

“Biffy Clyro 100% need to widely be considered as one of the best modern British bands – pumping out banger after banger for decades at this point.”
— Michael (@mjaustin_)

“Each to their own I know but Biffy Clyro are way more deserving of a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage on a Friday night. Well over 20 years of albums containing banger after banger.”
— Squashua (@IAmJoshua_)

“Forgotten how good Biffy Clyro are tbh. One of the best bands live in my opinion. Brilliant tonight.”
— Wendy Ward (@Wend3211)

“Imagine living in a world where Biffy Clyro are on before The 1975.”
— Sean Murphy (@seanmurphy1981)

“I’m a huge Foo Fighters fan. My daughter is called Aurora. However, as live music goes, Biffy Clyro are at the very top.”
— Max Everson (@Maxelaar)

Biffy Clyro’s Glastonbury 2025 Setlist

• A Little Love
• That Golden Rule
• Biblical
• Mountains
• Re-Arrange
• Wolves Of Winter
• Tiny Indoor Fireworks
• Black Chandelier
• Instant History
• Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies
• God Only Knows (Beach Boys cover)
• Bubbles
• Many Of Horror

Watch: Biffy Clyro Explains Their New Track ‘The Myth Of The Happily Ever After’

Friday’s Highlights at Glastonbury 2025

The festival’s Friday lineup was packed with memorable performances, including a touching set from Lewis Capaldi, who returned to the Pyramid Stage with an emotional redemption-themed show.

Lorde surprised fans with an intimate performance of her new album Virgin in full. Meanwhile, established acts like Franz Ferdinand (joined onstage by Peter Capaldi) and Supergrass thrilled the crowd, alongside breakout stars CMAT, Lola Young, and Wet Leg.

For the latest news, photos, and reviews from Glastonbury 2025, keep an eye on official festival updates.

Conclusion

Biffy Clyro’s Glastonbury 2025 performance was a powerful mix of heartfelt tributes, dynamic rock anthems, and undeniable charisma. Did their beautiful homage to Brian Wilson make you want to revisit the Beach Boys’ classics?

FAQs

• What song did Biffy Clyro cover to honor Brian Wilson?
  They performed an a cappella version of the Beach Boys’ classic ‘God Only Knows’.
• When is Biffy Clyro’s new album ‘Futique’ coming out?
  The album is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025.
• Which headliner followed Biffy Clyro on the Pyramid Stage?
  The 1975 headlined the festival after Biffy Clyro’s set.
• What was the significance of ‘God Only Knows’ to Simon Neil?
  The song was the soundtrack to his wedding’s first dance, and he has a tattoo of the song title.
• Can fans pre-order Biffy Clyro’s new album?
  Yes, Futique is available now for pre-order and pre-save online.

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