Precision, Passion and Power Biffy Clyro Triumph in Oslo
- Kenneth Sporsheim
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
IMAGES KENNETH SPORSHEIM / WORDS THOMAS KIRKEBY
Sentrum Scene, Oslo, 21st February 2026
Scottish Biffy Clyro have a massive following in the UK and across Europe, and tonight’s show in Oslo proved that the band have a strong foothold here in Norway as well. I was introduced to the band only a couple of years ago, and I liked what I heard immediately, even if I didn’t dive much deeper into their catalogue at the time. In the weeks leading up to this concert, however, I spent more time with their music and quickly found several favourites I was hoping to hear this Saturday night.
I arrived at Sentrum Scene a little late and missed Bartees Strange, who opened for Biffy Clyro, though I heard from several people that it was a great set. Unfortunately, my late arrival also meant I couldn’t get as close to the stage as I would have liked. Still, I can’t complain — the show was sold out, and I was among the fortunate ones who got to experience the band this evening.
I had heard from many that Biffy Clyro were an incredible live band, so expectations were high. I had also been told beforehand that bassist James Johnston, would not be present on this tour, as he is currently taking time away from touring to focus on treatment and recovery following mental health.
Before the band appeared on stage, the piano intro to ‘A Little Love’ filled the venue, instantly recognised by much of the audience. Soon after, singer and guitarist Simon Neil and drummer Ben Johnston walked onstage, accompanied by Naomi MacLeod, who has taken over bass duties on this tour. Simon, shirtless as he often is, took his position on a raised podium at the back left of the stage. Two female violinists stood in the front alongside the bassist, while the touring guitarist was positioned on the right side with his microphone stand curiously facing towards the centre of the stage rather than the audience. The keyboard player remained almost completely hidden behind the speakers from where I was standing — in fact, I didn’t spot him until near the end of the show.
Before launching into ‘Hunting Season’, the violinists exited the stage. Simon switched guitars and moved to the front, taking the position one would normally expect from a frontman. It became clear that this stage setup allowed for dynamic shifts in positioning throughout the show.
It was fascinating to watch how intense and fully present Simon was onstage. He plays with his guitar slung high, and when he isn’t singing, he seems to explode with energy, completely losing himself in the performance. It almost feels as though he has to restrain himself while standing still to sing, only to unleash everything the moment he steps away from the microphone. Truly fascinating and inspiring!
The intensity continued with ‘The Golden Rule’. Halfway through the song, the violinists returned on stage, and Simon shouted, “Get your fuckin’ hands in the air, mother fuckers!” — and the crowd responded instantly. The song’s finale became a powerful display of the band’s precision, as the violinists joined in with razor-sharp stop-start dynamics executed flawlessly. I had goosebumps in that moment — and I still do now, thinking back on it.
After the playful ‘Who’s Got a Match’, Simon said “Tusen takk” (“Thank you” in Norwegian), before the band moved into the atmospheric ‘Shot One. But it was during ‘Space’ that the crowd’s voices truly filled the venue. It was obvious that this was a song many had been hoping to hear.
The band brought the intensity back with ‘Wolves of Winter’, followed by ‘Tiny Indoor Fireworks’ and ‘Goodbye’, before Simon addressed the audience.
“How are you guys doing tonight?” he asked, before mentioning that this was the band’s first tour without James. He sent his best wishes to him, hoping he was doing well, before the band launched into ‘Friendshipping'.
'Biblical' elevated the atmosphere even further, with massive singalongs, cheering, and dancing throughout the venue. Even the violinists joined in singing when they weren’t playing. And the show carried on in the same vein, with fantastic performances onstage and a joyful atmosphere, driven by constant singalongs and dancing in the crowd.
After ‘Instant History’ — one of my personal favourites — along with 'Two People in Love' og ‘Mountains', the band left the stage, only to return for the encore moments later.
In total, the band delivered an impressive 23-song set before finally taking their leave.
It had been a fantastic night at Sentrum Scene, and many in the audience were likely ready to continue the celebrations elsewhere in the city — if they still had the energy left after dancing for most of the evening.
As for myself, I headed home feeling deeply satisfied after my first Biffy Clyro concert —eager to dive even deeper into their catalogue before the next opportunity to see the band live again presents itself.
SETLIST
1/ A Little Love
2/ Hunting Season
3/ That Golden Rule
4/ Who's Got a Match?
5/ Shot One
6/ Space
7/ Wolves of Winter
8/ Tiny Indoor Fireworks
9/ Goodbye
10/ Friendshipping
11/ Biblical
12/ A Thousand and One
13/ Different People
14/ A Hunger in Your Haunt
15/ Black Chandelier
16/ Instant History
17/ Two People in Love
18/ Mountains
ENCORE
19/ Machines
20/ The Captain
21/ Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies
22/ Bubbles
23/ Many of Horror
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