After a 17-year absence, Biffy Clyro made a long-overdue return to Oxford on October 14th, and they did so with quiet power. Swapping distortion for stripped back acoustics, the Scottish rock trio delivered two intimate sets at the O2 Academy.
The stage was stripped-back and warmly lit: candles flickered, spotlights glowed, and vintage rugs covered the floor, creating a snug, almost homely atmosphere. From the first notes of opener “A Little Love” – already a fan favourite from new album Futique –
the crowd was locked in, singing along with genuine devotion.
The setlist blended fresh Futique material with beloved older tracks, reworked to suit the acoustic vibe but never losing that distinct Biffy DNA with quirky guitar licks, intricate rhythms, and Simon Neil’s unmistakable voice that echoed through the space.
Highlights included “Howl”, a rare performance of “The Conversation Is” from 2007’s Puzzle, “Black Chandelier”, and the anthemic “The Captain”, with “True Believer” standing tall as one of ‘Futique’s’ emotional peaks. The night ended with a contemplative performance of “Goodbye”, the chorus filling the area, closing the show on a note of reflection.
The chemistry between the bandmates was front and centre – full of shared glances, playful jokes, and laughter with the crowd. At one point, after a cheeky audience member heckled for them to take their shirts off, the band quipped that they had to “behave themselves,” clearly enjoying the laid-back vibe.
Setlist Highlights:
“Little Love”
“Howl”
“The Conversation Is”
“Black Chandelier”
“Small Wishes”
“Biblical”
“The Captain”
“True Believer”
“Goodbye”
Final Thoughts:
This wasn’t the loud, fiery Biffy we know from arenas and festivals, but something rarer and more revealing. Oxford was treated to a band comfortable in their own skin, baring songs and souls with equal ease. After nearly two decades away, Biffy Clyro returned not just to perform, but to connect. And they did so beautifully.
Words + Photos by Sam Nourse (@Nourse_Photo)