Ahead of their show in Dublin's 3Arena in the New Year, Biffy Clyro's brothers in arms Ben and James Johnston spoke to Radio Nova's Marty Miller from Marty@ Work.
The band come to Ireland for a show at the Dublin venue on 10 January next year, a day after they take to the stage at Belfast's SSE Arena. Following this, the band will head over to the UK and Europe for a run of from January, right through to April. Find out more on this here.
Speaking to Marty, Ben Johnston said that he enjoys the intimacy of playing smaller venues as would have been the case IF they had made it to the US.
"It’s fun to play these tiny shows", he said. "We can escape, it sounds very loud, you’re sharing sweat at these intimate shows see the whites of people’s eyes. These are things you don’t get at other venues".
This month, Biffy Clyro had been due to tour in America, however a mix up over their visas forced them to pull the plug on those shows.
Earlier this year, Biffy Clyro did landed their fourth UK Number album with Futique, something which caused a great deal of shock to them, according to guitarist James Johnston.
"I am surprised it was our fourth no 1 album", James said to Marty. "It’s a real joy, we never set out to be no 1 band, we’re a slightly weird band, with a weird name, who play weird music".
He added: "To have brought people on this journey with us has been a real joy, it feels like people have come to us instead of us coming up to them, we have just been doing our thing, we’re so proud of the album".
For this album, Biffy Clyro recorded it at the iconic Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany, a studio previously used by David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, U2, R.E.M, Snow Patrol, and more.
"It's a working place, it’s a proper working studio, you can use all the equipment, it's nice place to work, you're not overawed by the history", James stated.
Looking ahead of their January shows, James said: "It's a great way to start the year with a bang, January can be a difficult month sometimes o why not come and listen to our depressing music. It’s a weird time of music so why not come and listen to some weird music".
Following this interview, it was since confirmed that James Johnston had pulled out of performing to focus on his mental health, as he takes time out to tackle his "addiction issues" and other struggles.
"I am heartbroken to let you know that I will not be joining the band on the upcoming tours", he said in a statement. "For some time, I have been living with mental health problems which have led to addiction issues that I have kept concealed for a long time".
"This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me".
“The time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them".
“I am extremely sorry to Simon and Ben and thank them for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time".
“I have recently started to receive the professional help I need and would like to reassure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel".
You can catch the brothers' chat with Marty below.
