Biffy Clyro frontman tells guitarists to embrace ‘youthful arrogance’
Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil has called for young guitarists to embrace their “youthful arrogance” as he was declared the most inspirational guitar figure of the year.
The Scottish musician will be presented with the inaugural Fender Play Award - celebrating his impact as an artist at the forefront of guitar music today - at the Q Awards.
Neil, who has played with his award-winning band for nearly 20 years, said it “meant a lot” to be honoured by the US guitar giant.
Aheadoftheawardsceremony at Camden’s Roundhouse
on October 17, Neil called for budding musicians to refuse to compromise.
He added he hoped his band - known for hits including The Captain, Black Chandelier and Opposite - had shown young musicians that groups can be successful without caving in to pressure from the industry.
Neil said: “If anyone takes anything away from our band then I really hope it’s that single mindedness.
“Before we were signed, labels would come to us in Scotland and say: ‘Change your name. Your name’s stupid.’
“I know that. We always knew our name was strange. Maybe it was a bit of youthful arrogance but we were like: ‘No we are not changing our name’.
“All we’ve ever wanted to be was honest and I know that sounds a bit un-rock and roll.”