Simon Neil

Summary

Simon Alexander Neil (born 31 August 1979) is a Scottish musician. He is known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro, Marmaduke Duke, and also Empire State Bastard, with Mike Vennart.

Simon Neil
Neil at Rock am Ring 2013
Neil at Rock am Ring 2013
Background information
Birth nameSimon Alexander Neil
Born (1979-08-31) 31 August 1979 (age 44)
South Ayrshire, Scotland
GenresAlternative rock, post-hardcore
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active1995–present
LabelsBeggars Banquet
14th Floor
Roadrunner
Member of

Career edit

Biffy Clyro edit

 
14-08-08 Taubertal Biffy Clyro Simon Neil 2

Born in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland and grown up in Ayr, Neil formed a band in 1995 at 15 years old, recruiting Kilmarnock-based Ben Johnston and someone known only as Barry on drums and bass respectively, calling themselves Skrewfish.[1] Barry was soon replaced by James Johnston, Ben's twin brother, and Biffy Clyro was effectively formed. In 1997, the trio moved to Glasgow, where Neil studied Electronics with Music at the University of Glasgow. He also studied Film and TV for a year before leaving to pursue music full-time. By then, Simon's musical tastes had expanded; In 2000, the band were spotted at the Unsigned Bands stage at T in the Park by a representative of the independent record label Beggars Banquet. Soon after, the band was signed to the label.

Biffy Clyro have since released nine albums, signed to a major record label, and toured relentlessly. Neil has stated that Biffy Clyro lyrics often come from phrases he writes down in a notebook he keeps by his bed.

Marmaduke Duke edit

Neil plays with JP Reid of fellow Ayrshire group Sucioperro in Marmaduke Duke, under the pseudonym "The Atmosphere", which released their first album, The Magnificent Duke, in 2005.

It was announced in late 2008 that the Duke was to make a return in 2009 with the follow-up album and second in the trilogy, Duke Pandemonium. The first single from the second album, "Kid Gloves" was released on 9 February 2009.

Empire State Bastard edit

Empire State Bastard is an extreme metal duo composed of Neil and ex-Oceansize frontman Mike Vennart. The project has been described as "grindcore extreme metal" by Neil,[2] with Mike writing the songs and recording all guitars, and Simon focused on vocals and lyrics.[3] The band currently tours with Dave Lombardo on drums and Naomi Macleod on bass. Empire State Bastard released their debut single "Harvest" in March 2023, with their debut album Rivers of Heresy released in September 2023.

Solo career edit

Neil performs under the name ZZC. His debut single, "To the Bone", was used in the BBC's 'Radio 1 Rescores: Drive (curated by Zane Lowe)' project. In 2017, Neil released a 7-minute instrumental track entitled "The Myth" under the ZZC moniker. Two tracks from an unreleased ZZC solo album, "Plead" and "Fever Dream" were released on the 2019 Biffy Clyro soundtrack album Balance, Not Symmetry.

Personal life edit

 
Simon Neil circa 2003

Neil lives in Ayr with his wife Francesca, whom he married at St. Columba Church in Ayr on 5 January 2008. The song "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys was used for their first dance, and Neil has the song's chorus, "God only knows what I'd be without you", tattooed on his chest.[4]

In 2021, he presented a series of shows on BBC Radio Scotland.[5]

Musical equipment used edit

The following is a list of musical equipment used by Simon Neil:

Guitars edit

Electric

Effects pedals edit

Previous effects pedals edit

Amplifiers edit

Discography edit

Biffy Clyro edit

Marmaduke Duke edit

Empire State Bastard edit

Other appearances edit

Year Song Artist Album
2001 "Zionist Timing" Aereogramme A Story in White
2002 "Hangover" Sucioperro Why Bliss Destroy
"Love in the Guise of Friendship"
"Capable of More"
2009 "Graves" Gallows Grey Britain
2010 "It's My Tail and I'll Chase It If I Want To" Oceansize Self Preserved While the Bodies Float Up
2014 "Sun Riders" Krokodil Nachash
2016 "Reason to Stay" Good Charlotte Youth Authority
2020 "Halogen Eye" O'Brother You and I
2021 "Goliath" Architects For Those That Wish to Exist
"Nervous" While She Sleeps Sleeps Society
"What Matters" Laura Mvula Pink Noise
2022 "The Resurrectionists" Frank Turner FTHC
"Superman" Goldfinger Never Look Back (Deluxe Edition)
2023 ”Fires” Nathan Connolly The Strange Order of Things

References edit

  1. ^ Biffy Clyro Biography Archived 8 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine on Beggar's Banquet USA
  2. ^ Trendell, Andrew (18 August 2020). "In Conversation with Biffy Clyro: "We've already got a sprawling new sister record coming"". NME. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Empire State Bastard Feat. Dave Lombardo: Debut Single 'Harvest' Available Now". Blabbermouth.net. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  4. ^ Ayshire Post, 9 January 2008, Sweet music
  5. ^ "Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil to present six genre-focused shows for BBC Radio Scotland". NME. 2 June 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u BiffyTabs Equipment – Simon Archived 7 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ a b c "Biffy Clyro – Simon Neil Guitar Rig Gear and Equipment". uberproaudio.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2009.