Biffy Clyro took Manchester on an unforgettable journey – and we were in capable hands
(Image: Kenny Brown)
This was their biggest indoor show ever, frontman Simon Neil told us. Yet it seemed like they were just playing down at their local. Biffy Clyro are a band who need little to introduction, and who’s reputation precedes them.
The Scottish trio comprise of Neil, and twin brothers Ben Johnston (on drums) and James Johnston (on bass). And on Saturday night, the Biff brought their most recent album, Futique, to Manchester’s Co-op Live.
They were first supported by The Armed, and then Soft Play, who were completely archaic. It was absolute chaos, complete with the two-man band crowdsurfing mid set.
Soft Play at the Co-op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)
Biffy then took us on a journey. And with over 30 years of love, loss, and pain under their belt, we were in capable hands. They began under a kind of blanket fort, with a rendition of A Little Love.
The crowd were on top form, as always in Manchester. The sold-out crowd regularly chanted: “Mon the Biff” and “Biffy F****** Clyro”, as circle pits and mosh pits opened up during every number – even the ballads.
The band paid tribute to their absent bassist, James Johnston, currently on a hiatus due to mental health issues before lurching into new track Friendshipping. Stepping in for James, session bassist Naomi MacLeod completely held her own. She looked very comfortable on that massive stage.
(Image: Kenny Brown)
Biblical was euphoric, hair-raising and just pure jubilation, before plunging into A Thousand and One. The emotion was unmatched, and made up for the occasional harsh lighting and jaunty set.
Their performance was raw, and almost like we weren’t meant to be watching. It was intimate and beautiful. They didn’t need to be reaching out to us with flashy gimmicks and chatter. The cacophony of music and depth of the lyrics were enough.
Crowd favourites Black Chandelier and Mountains were joy incarnate, before Two People in Love seeped in unease as a giant eye on a screen twitched and dilated with every beat.
The set was stripped back further as Neil announced we were to have a ‘bedroom singalong’, as he brought out his acoustic guitar for Machines. Manchester sang the iconic line ‘take the pieces and build them skywards’ in perfect harmony with the frontman.
Biffy Clyro at the Co-op Live(Image: Kenny Brown)
At their loudest they were anthemic. To the point that it was not longer sound – it was pure power. The band’s ability to make the jarring and unrelenting riffs of Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies blow up into something huge, is completely unforgettable.
The encore completed the night, with blue and white exploding confetti cannons as Bubbles and Many of Horror echoed around the arena, with every single person on their feet, arm-in-arm.
Tonight’s show saw a room full of people be guided through the life’s highs, lows, and every ugly moment in between. A truly poignant night.
(Image: Kenny Brown)
Set list – ManchesterA Little LoveHunting SeasonThat Golden RuleShot OneSpaceWolves of WinterTiny Indoor FireworksGoodbyeFriendshippingBiblicalA Thousand and OneDifferent PeopleA Hunger in Your HauntMountainsTwo People in LoveMachinesThe CaptainLiving is a Problem Because Everything DiesBubblesMany of Horror