20 October 2024 (gig)
5 d
Sunday evenings are often reserved for rest and recovery, a time to prepare for the inevitable Monday grind. But last night at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, I found myself in the electric atmosphere of a much-needed escape: Biffy Clyro, performing their debut album Blackened Sky in full as part of their ‘A Celebration of Beginnings’ tour. The Scottish trio took the stage at 8.30pm with the raw energy that defined their early days, reminding everyone why their first three albums still resonate so deeply with their fans. What followed was an unforgettable set packed with deep cuts and rarities, a perfect tribute to the band’s roots and their long-time supporters who have been with them through every twist and turn.
The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, one of London’s most beloved live music venues, provided the perfect backdrop for this unique show. With its rich history dating back to 1903, the venue’s intimate 2,000-person capacity allowed fans to feel connected to the band in a way larger arenas don’t often allow. The acoustics, mixed with the energy of such an iconic location, gave the show a raw and powerful vibe, further adding to the emotional weight of the evening.
Released in 2002, Blackened Sky was Biffy Clyro’s debut studio album and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of their sound. With its mix of hard-hitting rock and experimental rhythms, it showcased the trio’s ability to create raw, unpredictable, and fiercely emotional music. Last night, fans were transported back to the early days as the band performed the album in full, from the frantic energy of "Joy.Discovery.Invention" to the brooding intensity of "Kill the Old, Torture Their Young."
For long-time fans, this was a chance to hear tracks that haven’t been played live in over a decade. "Joy.Discovery.Invention" and "27" made their first live appearance since 2014, while "Justboy" hadn’t been performed since 2018. "The Go-Slow" and "Kill the Old, Torture Their Young" were also pulled from the vaults, played for the first time in a decade. The crowd's excitement was palpable, with many fans, including one in front of me who had traveled from Israel for all three London shows, eagerly soaking in these rare performances.
The deep cuts continued with "Convex, Concave" and "Hero Management," which returned after a 10-year break. However, the rarest track of the night was "Solution Devices," not performed since 2005, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to this special show.
After a 10-minute intermission, Biffy returned to the stage with a second set filled with fan favourites and rarities. They opened with "A Hunger in Your Haunt," keeping the energy high before diving into tracks like "Howl" and "Fever Dream," both performed for the first time since 2019. Other gems included "A Whole Child Ago" and "Modern Magic Formula," neither of which had been played live since 2017.
One of the standout moments of the second set was the return of "Hope for an Angel," a B-side from the Blackened Sky era, which was played for the first time since 2014. This deep dive into their back catalogue continued to delight long-time fans.
For the encore, Simon Neil took to the stage alone for a stripped-back acoustic version of "Break a Butterfly on a Wheel," a track from the Similarities compilation that hadn’t been played since 2014. The raw, emotional performance was a perfect counterpoint to the evening’s earlier intensity. The band then rejoined to close the night with "Stingin' Belle," a high-energy anthem that hadn’t been performed live since 2019.
Throughout the show, the band expressed their deep appreciation for their fans’ loyalty and support. The trio, visibly moved, thanked the crowd for sticking with them through the years. The band’s gratitude was reciprocated by an audience that was fully immersed in the nostalgia and celebration of Biffy Clyro’s early days.
The Celebration of Beginnings tour continues with two more shows at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where the band will perform The Vertigo of Bliss and Infinity Land in full. After London, the tour moves to Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom to repeat the three albums.
For the die-hard fans, these shows are a dream come true. With rare performances and deep cuts, it’s clear Biffy Clyro are pulling out all the stops to make this tour a celebration to remember.
