Biffy Clyro at Cardiff Bay – review and photos

We sent photographer Adam Davis-Powell and reviewer Chloe Padfield along to catch The Biff at Cardiff Bay. Here’s what went down:

As the sun set in that end-of-summer majestic way across Cardiff Bay – you could hear the crowd rattle away to the cheeky as hell tones of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – encouraging the women of the crowd to get moshing to the renowned ‘Wild Flowers.’ After throwing himself to the crowd on song three, and inviting his Mother up for their filthiest song of the set – we hear him asking ‘are you ready for Biffy Fucking Clyro’ – and his performance and encouragement has certainly helped to pump the anticipation. 

Their biggest gig since Reading & Leeds – the Scottish trio hit the stage against a black sky and electric blue stage backdrop, the bold graphics and live jarring videography continue to be a feature throughout. Neil enters in a flowing kimono – resembling a rockstar romance of old – soon stripping back to the shirtless sweaty front man the fans all know and love. This warm familiarity and infectious love for Biffy Clyro is heard verbally – 25 years of touring the world has built them an eclectic, loyal crowd of all ages, with the locals who could be heard agreeing that ‘even in Wales it feels like they’ve come home.’ 

The dulcet Scottish lullabies weaved in with rock anthems and their new style, proves a carefully curated lifetime spanning set lists that leave you elated. Newer songs like ‘Instant History’ with it’s dance edged feel and the powerful ‘End Of’ (both from their 2020 album ‘A Celebration of Endings’) were well received, mixed with old favourites including ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Many of Horror’. 

The Johnston twins also appeared to be relishing to be back performing – with James making enthusiastic appearances to the crowds on the stage wings – and Ben truly going for it in their anticipated ‘The Myth of the Happily Ever After’ – a surprise homegrown project announced earlier in the month that by their own testimony serves as a “rapid emotional response to the turmoil of the past year.” Their energy and gratitude to be back performing was certainly transcended right back in the ever resounding ‘Mon the Biff’ chants from thousands of kindred, smiling faces.

Here are our photos, taken by Adam Davis-Powell. Click to enlarge.

Words by Chloe Padfield. Photos by Adam Davis-Powell.