As we all suspected: “were thinking up merch for weird bands and we thought, ah, Cliff Richard should have biro pens – Cliffy biros and then the spurious bit of my brain was like what about then Biffy Clyro – yeah!”

---

Was actually sent a press release with this REVELATION on...

Zane Lowe cracks the mystery behind Biffy Clyro’s name!
While getting the inside scoop on their new album.

From underground cult heroes to mainstream superstars, Biffy Clyro have battled against the odds to become one of the biggest and most versatile rock bands of a generation, while overcoming a “stupid name” and alcoholism.

Sunday 31st August at 9.30pm on MTV Music

Biffy Clyro have notoriously refused to divulge where their name originates from, but DJ Zane Lowe has worked his magic and convinced the boys to open up in the next episode of Relentless Ultra Presents Soundchain. For years the band has fuelled rumours about where the name came from - including one that they are named after a Scotsman who built his own rocket to become the first man in space. Finally in an exclusive interview, they have revealed the true story behind the band’s now household name, Biffy Clyro.

Simon Neil tells how he and a friend “were thinking up merch for weird bands and we thought, ah, Cliff Richard should have biro pens – Cliffy biros and then the spurious bit of my brain was like what about then Biffy Clyro – yeah!”

Although recognising that their name is slightly on the bizarre side of things, “we were so obstinate and sure of ourselves that we thought, no, if people are going to judge us on our name, they don’t deserve to listen to us. Plus we wouldn’t have a ‘mon the Biff if we didn’t have a stupid name.”

Having released six albums they have surpassed the band names’ criticism and even personal obstacles such as alcoholism. With Simon explaining how Opposites tells a story of “my headspace, the tough time touring, you know, and not to go over it again, Ben [Johnston] gave up the booze and we just figured out a way to tour and survive, not kill ourselves and not want to kill each other.” These two elements of their careers were going well and that they were back on track in their personal lives versus them “cursing what had happened” resulted in them making Opposites a double sided album.

They also give Zane some inside scoop on their next album, which they have a very specific idea of where they would like to take it. “After having made really lush, over-the-top orchestral records, we need to put limits and rules on us on the next album. Ten songs maximum. It’s going to be succinct and it’s going to be rocking as hell.”
Watch Sunday’s episode to find out more and to see some electrifying performances. Including one of Zane’s “favourite songs ever” Bubbles.

Relentless Ultra Presents Soundchain celebrates today’s most influential music talent through a mixture of captivating interviews, exclusive live performances and videos. Who better to host it than the UK’s number one tastemaker and international new music champion Zane Lowe, who has been an intrinsic part of the UK music scene over the past decade, whilst shining a light on today’s most important new musical talent.

These shows provide a fascinating platform for host Zane Lowe to discuss each artist’s influences and the next generation of emerging artists who they’ve inspired. Created in partnership with Relentless Energy Drink, the music chat show’s fourth episode will premiere on MTV UK’s flagship music channel, MTV Music on Sunday 31st August at 9.30pm.

Acts to follow on Soundchain are Jake Bugg and Queens of the Stone Age with previous episodes looking at Kasabian, Ed Sheeran, Chase & Status and Nas.