Biffy Clyro

Biffy Clyro formed in Kilmarnock in 1995, Simon Neil, James Johnston, and Ben Johnston developing a sound that was rooted in post-hardcore and alternative rock but had a melodic sensibility that set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They signed to Beggars Banquet and released a series of albums that built a devoted following without achieving mainstream success.

'Puzzle' (2007) was the breakthrough — 'Mountains', 'Saturday Superhouse', and 'Many of Horror' were all strong singles. The album reached number two and established Biffy Clyro as one of the most important British rock bands of their generation. Neil's songwriting had developed into something genuinely distinctive — emotionally raw, melodically inventive, and possessed of a complexity that rewarded repeated listening.

'Only Revolutions' (2009) reached number two and 'Opposites' (2013) reached number one. Biffy Clyro have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency, their live shows becoming increasingly ambitious and spectacular. 'A Celebration of Endings' (2020) and 'The Myth of the Happily Ever After' (2021) were both strong late-career albums.