Scottish alternative rock titans Biffy Clyro demonstrated their legendary status with a powerful and passionate performance for a capacity crowd at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Friday, 16th January 2026.
A Triumphant Return to the Second City
Returning to Birmingham nearly three years after their last visit, the band took to the stage following the release of their tenth studio album, Futique. Despite a career spanning three decades, any notion of the trio simply going through the motions was swiftly dismissed. The show carried added significance following the 2025 announcement that bassist James Johnston would not be joining the live tour for personal reasons, placing a clear spotlight on frontman Simon Neil and drummer Ben Johnston.
The 23-song setlist was a career-spanning journey, reaching back to 2007's Puzzle while featuring a substantial selection from the new record. The stage design was notably minimalist, eschewing flashy gimmicks to keep the focus squarely on the music. A simple, sharp-pointed set of steps allowed Neil to perform at different elevations, embodying the 'heavy lifting' required of him for this tour.
An Expanded Line-Up and Furious Support Acts
While rooted as a trio, Biffy's live sound has long been augmented. Joining Neil and Johnston were Naomi Macleod on bass—known for her work with Neil in Empire State Bastard—and long-time touring guitarist Mike Vennart. The ensemble was bolstered further by keyboardist Richard Ingram and two string players.
The evening was kicked off by a frenetic, riotous set from Detroit hardcore collective The Armed. They were followed by the formidable Kent duo Soft Play, who delivered a charged 10-song performance featuring tracks like 'Act Violently' and 'Punk's Dead', culminating with a crowd dive during 'Fuck The Hi-Hat'.
Masterful Dynamics and Unforgettable Anthems
Biffy commenced their own set dramatically, hidden behind a curtain and sheets, performing the opening 'A Little Love' as silhouettes. Once revealed, they charged into classics including 'The Golden Rule' and 'Who's Got A Match?', with a characteristically shirtless Neil snarling into the microphone.
The band's signature 'quiet loud quiet' dynamic was in full effect, shifting effortlessly between frenetic, grunge-infused rock and soaring ballads. Tracks like 'Wolves Of Winter', 'Biblical', and 'A Thousand And One' showcased this range with aplomb. The guitars sounded colossal all night, proving the band's bite remains undiminished.
The energy peaked with the anthemic 'Mountains', which finally united the entire arena in a massive sing-along. Later, the band stripped things back for an acoustic rendition of 'Machines', with Neil seated on the stage steps. The final run was a masterclass in anthemic alt-rock: 'The Captain' became a huge, arms-aloft anthem, while 'Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies' showcased the band at their visceral best.
The set concluded with Neil's triumphant declaration to the roaring crowd: "We're Biffy Fucking Clyro!" The statement served as both a fitting end to the night and a reminder of the band's enduring connection with their fans.
While the night was a resounding success, there was an underlying sense of the weight on Simon Neil's shoulders in James Johnston's absence. Macleod performed admirably, but fans will undoubtedly hope for the bassist's return in the future. Nevertheless, Biffy Clyro's ability to sell out arenas three decades into their career is a testament to their powerful songwriting and relentless live prowess, a feat many of their contemporaries can no longer claim.
