Biffy Clyro brought fire, noise and genuine emotion to Cardiff Castle on Friday night, delivering an open-air show that reminded everyone exactly why the Scottish rockers have built such a loyal following in Wales over the years.
Frontman Simon Neil wasted no time telling the crowd how he felt about the place. “We have such a deep connection to Wales,” he told thousands of fans packed into the castle grounds. “This is such a special place.” And judging by the reaction he got back, the feeling is very much mutual.
The band came loaded with pyrotechnics that lit up the medieval walls behind them, sending bursts of flame and sparks into the night sky at just the right moments. It was the kind of visual spectacle that turns a good gig into something you talk about for years, and Cardiff Castle provided the perfect dramatic backdrop for it all.
The setlist leaned heavily into fan favourites, giving the crowd exactly what they came for. Tracks spanning the band’s career got an airing, with the audience singing back every word. There were quieter, more tender moments too, where Neil stripped things back and let the songs breathe, before the band crashed back in and the whole place erupted again.
Biffy Clyro have always been a band that rewards their most dedicated followers, and a show like this is proof of that. They could fill arenas on the strength of their bigger anthems alone, but they clearly take pride in putting together a full live experience rather than just running through the hits and heading home.
The atmosphere inside the castle walls was electric from the start. Cardiff crowds have a reputation for being loud and up for it, and Friday night was no different. By the time the band hit their stride mid-set, the whole venue felt like it was bouncing.
For a band that has been doing this for over two decades, there is no sign of them going through the motions. Neil in particular looked like a man who genuinely loves being on stage, throwing himself around and connecting with the audience throughout. The chemistry between him, bassist James Johnston and drummer Ben Johnston remains one of the tightest in rock music.
Cardiff has hosted some brilliant outdoor shows over the years, and this one sits comfortably among the best of them. The combination of a world-class band at the top of their game, a stunning historic venue and a crowd that gave everything back made for a night that felt genuinely special.
If Biffy Clyro come back to Wales anytime soon, and based on how much Neil seems to love the place there is every chance they will, get yourself a ticket. You will not regret it.