After eight long years, Scottish mainstays Biffy Clyro return to Australia in 2026.
For local fans, it feels less like a routine tour announcement and more like a long-overdue reunion. Founding members James and Ben Johnston are keenly aware of the gap since their last visit and the expectation that has built in the meantime.
The tour, named after the band's newly-released album 'Futique', is one shaped by shifting circumstances and the band's refusal to settle into a single creative rhythm.
As James explains, the process of making records has never been fixed. "It's always changing in response to what's come before, really," he says. "Whether we've been spending a lot of time on the road or a lot of time at home."
That flexibility has been crucial to Biffy Clyro's longevity, and it sits at the heart of the new release. This time, a key influence came from outside the band's usual dynamic.
Frontman Simon Neil had spent several years focused on his side project ESB (Empire State Bastard), something James describes as "quite a screamo, mental sound. It's really, really wild."
Rather than dragging Biffy into heavier territory, that period of separation helped open new creative doors when the band regrouped.
"That was really what kind of led us into this album," James says. "All these amazing melodies and some beautiful parts and piano. It was just a lovely start to making the latest album."
The record reflects that sense of renewal, balancing intensity with moments of openness and restraint. While the new music marks an important chapter, the Australian tour carries particular emotional weight.
"I can't believe it's been eight f...ing years," Ben admits. “It feels like we've let you down somehow. We're really kicking ourselves that it's taken so long."
The delay has only heightened anticipation on both sides. "There's a lot of anticipation. It's great," he adds. "We just want you guys to be there."
Australian audiences have always held a special place for the band, and James speaks warmly about past experiences. "They heckle you just the right amount," he laughs. "They're involved the right amount and passionate. Great crowds."
His affection extends beyond the venues themselves. He describes Australia as "all the best bits of America and Britain without the sh.t bits," and says he always has a fantastic time whenever the band makes the trip.
It is a familiarity that has helped cement the strong bond between Biffy Clyro and their local fanbase.
Over more than two decades, the band's sound has evolved dramatically, and James believes it is only natural the audience has shifted alongside it.
"If you've been a band for 20 years then your audience is going to slightly change somehow," he says.
Some fans move away, others return, and new listeners arrive through different phases of the band's catalogue. "I've noticed just the age bracket getting bigger both ways," he adds. "We've got older fans and younger fans, which can only be a good thing."
Increasingly, that includes families. "More and more often I look out and there's kids on people's shoulders wearing ear defenders. I've been inspiring the next generation. We're doing something right."
Ben is also happy to point Australian listeners toward Scottish acts worth keeping an eye on, including Fatherson, whose singer he describes as having "a voice from heaven," as well as Glasgow outfit Dead Pony and Lucia & the Best Boys.
As for what continues to fuel Biffy Clyro creatively, the approach remains broad and openminded. "It's always pulled from as many different places as possible," James says. "If you get fixated on any one artist, you're going to end up just copying them."
Throughout years of touring, one essential item can be agreed upon by the brothers. "Probably earplugs for sleeping on the bus," Ben laughs, nodding to guitarist Mike Vennart's enthusiastic snoring.
After eight years away, it is a human detail that neatly sums up Biffy Clyro's return to Australia: familiar, self-aware, and very much worth the wait.
Biffy Clyro 2026 Tour Dates
Tue 7 Apr - Forum Melbourne* sold out
Wed 8 Apr - Roundhouse (Sydney)* selling fast
Thu 9 Apr - The Tivoli (Brisbane)* low tickets
