My verdict: Five stars
Biffy Clyro returned to Glasgow with a bang saying “It is f****** nice to be home”.
The Scottish rock trio performed an intimate sold out show at the Barrowlands Ballroom in the East End as part of their Celebrations of Beginnings Tour.
It is the first time in two years that they have played in the city, as frontman Simon Neil took time to focus on his heavier side project Empire State Ba*****.
Now returning with what felt like a huge welcome home party, he joined bassist James Johnston and drummer Ben Johnston to treat fans by playing three special gigs in a row.
Biffy Clyro takes the stage at @TheBarrowlands tonight! pic.twitter.com/dUQlhFUe4y
— Kirsty Feerick (@KirstyFeerick) October 25, 2024
Each night the group will perform one of their first three albums, and tonight they kicked things off going all the way back to their very first record.
This saw them play the entirety of Blackened Sky, and despite it being 22-years-old the crowd were ready to belt every word - proving it is still as relevant as ever.
The audience was a sea of millennials who have been there since the start, so it was a clear gift to experience the seminal album.
They kicked the show off with Joy.Discovery.Invention, and also played Solutions Devices which they had not played in 19 years until going on this tour, which was launched in London this week.
Speaking to fans James said: “It is f****** nice to be home.
“We have been looking forward to this for so f****** long. I will never find the words to express it.
Kilted frontman Simon added: “You alright Glasgow?
“It is so nice to be here, thanks for being here on the first night on our Celebrations of Beginnings tour.
“It is so nice to see so many familiar faces here tonight.
“You have probably seen us more than anyone else in the world combined, it really means a lot to us.”
They performed the show with no support, giving them time to play a generous 25 song setlist.
After finishing the 2002 album they took a quick break before jumping into the second part of the show with A Hunger in Your Haunt.
James teased the crowd suggesting that their London shows on the tour were louder than the Glasgow crowd, which Simon quickly replied to by saying “you are on your own with that one James”.
It was met with roaring boo’s from dedicated fans who accepted the challenge and belted the lyrics to “Space”, despite it being one of their slower songs.
James thanked the crowd for their energy saying “just like that you have totally redeemed us!”.
They continued to keep the atmosphere electric with their amazing instrumental talent which was complemented by an impressive light show, which could rival the massive productions they are used to at bigger venues like the OVO Hydro.
Stand out songs were 27, Witch’s Cup, Bubbles, Justboy, and Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies.
The night closed with Stingin’ Belle which was the perfect way to end the homecoming party as fans were left feeling patriotic, passionate, and proud that Biffy are back and better than ever.
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