Biffy Clyro – Live Review – The Piece Hall, Halifax
By Steve Crabtree, August 2024
Well, where do I start with this one? This wasn’t just another gig at The Piece Hall. Because, when Biffy Clyro hit Halifax for their first live show in two years, they didn’t just deliver; they absolutely crushed it.
In fairness, would you expect anything less? Of course not. It’s hard to believe that Biff Clyro have been around since 2000. Their slot on the unsigned bands stage at T In The Park that year made sure they were noticed, and the music world has never looked back.
These Scottish rockers are renowned for being an epic live act. And even after their hiatus from the stage, they packed punch, venom and pure rock into this Friday night in West Yorkshire.
“A different beast”
With 6000 fans giving a welcome that only heroes receive, we were so pleased to see them. And as they launched into ‘The Captain,’ from that first note, it was clear they were on top form. Crunching guitars and moody riffs, they’d arrived and they were here to give us something special.
They’d started fast and even picked the pace up by song two with an energetic version of ‘That Golden Rule’ before the stomping ‘Who’s Got A Match’. What a strong start, and a high bar to set for the rest of the night. But they were obviously going to smash it.
Biffy Clyro’s live shows are a different beast compared to their recorded material. The sound in the Piece Hall was raucous and crystal clear. Every note, riff and lyric landing so well. Simon Neil’s vocals were great, and absolutely precise. The sheer intensity of the performance was something that can’t be fully captured through a recording, highlighting just how exceptional they are as a live act.
As the set progressed, ‘Black Chandelier’ slowed the moment down a little, but still keeping the buzz levels high. It was ‘A Hunger In Your Haunt’ that really stole the show for me, and we were also quite lucky to hear ‘Saturday Superhouse’ performed by the full band electrically for the first time in years was a special moment. The crowd loved it too. Our reaction was a mix of euphoria and sheer delight. And all the while, we were trying to catch our breath!
“Charged atmosphere”
As for the people in The Piece Hall, we had a mix of seasoned rock fans who’ve followed the band for years, and a younger generation who might have only recently discovered what the band are all about. And this blend made for a charged atmosphere but a friendly one. Everyone was there for the same reason—to experience the raw power of Biffy Clyro live. And that shared passion made the night even more special.
And we got so much in return. The lights and lasers were bigger than anything I’ve seen at The Piece Hall in five years. And the encore was a highlight in itself, stretching over four tracks and ending with a stirring rendition of ‘Many Of Horror.’ An absolutely beautiful way to bring the 22-song setlist to a close. Biffy Clyro’s ability to blend rock anthems with emotionally charged ballads is amazing, and they’ve been clearly missed.
“Pure rock brilliance”
Wow. What a night of pure rock brilliance, enjoyed by everyone lucky enough to be here. Biffy Clyro haven’t just come back; they’ve returned with a bang. A few years ago, the idea of having a band like them perform in Halifax would have seemed impossible. But now, with The Piece Hall hosting world-class acts, we’re being a bit spoiled. It’s become a venue where massive names in music can deliver unforgettable performances. And this Biffy Clyro gig was a perfect example of how far we’ve come.
The Piece Hall isn’t just a stunning backdrop—it’s now a serious player on the live music scene. And we’re lucky to have it right here in Halifax.
Images: The Piece Hall/Cuffe & Taylor
