Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil Reflects on Life, Music, and New Album

Frontman of Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, Simon Neil, recently opened up about the band’s journey and their forthcoming album, Futique, which is set for release on October 6, 2023. Neil shared insights into his personal struggles, the importance of friendship, and the creative process behind the new music.

Neil revealed that his recent focus on meditation stems from a serious episode in his life. “About 12 years ago, I had a nervous breakdown,” he explained. The therapy he underwent during that time led him to explore meditation deeply, which ultimately transformed his perspective. “I realised that I hadn’t noticed a lot of my happiest – and saddest – moments until years after the fact,” he said.

Reflecting on his relationship with his late mother, Neil described how revisiting old family photos helped him reconcile painful memories. “I found joy in understanding that everything that happens makes you who you are,” he noted. This newfound appreciation for life permeated the themes of Futique, which celebrates embracing the present.

Biffy Clyro’s dynamics were also tested last year when Neil, along with bandmates Ben Johnston and James Johnston, experienced their first significant fallout. “Focusing on the friendship and the positive things we’d shared brought us back together,” he stated. The band’s ability to navigate these challenges fueled their creativity during the album’s development.

Neil shared a humorous anecdote about their time recording in Todmorden, where they invited legendary Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo to join them. “We spent eight days there and it was hilarious,” he recalled. The band took Lombardo out for a curry and a pint, much to the surprise of locals who recognized him. The studio’s location, adjacent to a nursery, prompted some amusing incidents as well. “The council wrote to the studio asking them to close, because the noise of us playing thrash metal upstairs was traumatising the children,” he laughed.

When asked about his tattoos, Neil shared that the most meaningful one commemorates his mother. “I got it in memory of my mother the year she passed away,” he explained. The tattoo features a photo of his parents, which he once found too painful to look at. Now, he sees it as a celebration of their life together.

Neil also discussed Matt Cardle‘s cover of Biffy Clyro’s song “Many of Horror,” which was retitled “When We Collide” for the X Factor performance. “At the time, an X Factor pop performer doing one of our songs was seen as blasphemous,” he admitted. Despite initial reservations, Neil expressed pride in how Cardle’s version became a Christmas No 1 hit, marking a significant moment for the band.

The conversation shifted to Neil’s side projects, including Marmaduke Duke, where he explores music without the pressure of public expectations. He revealed that a third album is almost complete, although he is currently focused on Biffy Clyro. “Empire State Bastard is atonal noise,” he said regarding another side project that featured Lombardo.

Neil reminisced about unforgettable performances, including a memorable show in a swimming pool in Germany, where he dove from an Olympic-sized diving board. “It was a memorable show,” he recalled, highlighting the energy and spontaneity of those early gigs.

When reflecting on the evolution of their performances, Neil acknowledged the growth from playing intimate venues to headlining major festivals like Download. “Once we started playing, I thought, ‘We’re here because we deserve it!’” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in their music and the emotional connection they maintain with their fans.

Looking ahead, Biffy Clyro will perform intimate acoustic shows in October before embarking on an arena tour that begins in Belfast on January 9, 2024. As Neil prepares to share Futique with the world, he remains grounded, reflecting on the journey that has shaped both him and his music.