Biffy Clyro give a masterclass to close Reading 2016

Three years ago, Biffy Clyro headlined Reading and Leeds for the first time, making the jump everyone expected and hoped was coming. That night was a supreme set, but one that came with obvious jitters. Two songs into tonight’s set and Simon Neil is interjecting the chaotic finale of ‘Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies’ with the ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ riff - the nerves are gone, Biffy Clyro know how to do this now.

Neil and Johnstone brothers Ben and James all play with the crowd between songs, the light show is simply stunning, and the setlist perfect. ‘57’ harks back to the band’s first Reading performance just after the millenium, while ‘Puzzle’ cuts ‘Machines’ and ‘9/15ths’ go down as well as most cuts from ‘Only Revolutions’ and ‘Opposites’.

Nights like tonight will become commonplace for Biffy Clyro from now on, and the supreme confidence they exhibit takes their live show to even bigger heights.

Reading Festival brought Biffy Clyro up as headliners - tonight, three years after their big break, they’re back to show how it’s really done. In Simon Neil’s own words before the final song - “Biffy fuckin’ Clyro. Stingin fuckin’ Belle. Reading fuckin’ Festival.