Biffy Clyro Steal Silverware From Parliament, Launch Tour With Cage the Elephant

Posted on Mar 31st 2011 1:00PM by Linda Laban

Simone Joyner, Getty Images

Bands get to play in some odd places sometimes, but Biffy Clyro did what was possibly the most incongruous of all gigs in 2010. The Scottish power trio played Great Britain's Houses of Parliament, the nation's seat of government in Westminster, marking the first time that any band has performed within the hallowed halls.

"It was a radio show. They invited us to play," singer and guitarist Simon Neil, still somewhat aghast at the event, tells Spinner. "It was really bizarre, but it wasn't something we could say no to, really. But we did wonder what was going on. I mean, why would they want a band, a bunch of hairy musicians running around the place? It was a very unusual experience."

Since they were sure it was a gig that wouldn't be repeated, the threesome decided they needed souvenirs to remind them of the occasion. "We ended up stealing some silverware. They had the emblem on them and everything. We just had to have something to remember it by, something to show your grandchildren," the 31-year-old says with a laugh.

Despite being relatively unknown in the US, the band is so popular in the UK that they sold out Wembley Arena last year. After a winter East Coast/Midwest headlining run that included many sold-out dates, Biffy Clyro continue their stateside efforts through to the end of April with a tour supporting Cage the Elephant, followed by a performance at this year's Bamboozle Festival. Writing for the follow-up to 2009's 'Only Revolutions' is already underway, too. As for that gig at the HOP, it all went without a hitch and despite their irreverence, it's clearly something they're proud of.

"It was an honor to be asked of course," Neil says. "We weren't sure what to expect, but we just went along with it. The history of the place and all that stuff is amazing. We're influencing Great Britain from the bottom to the top!"

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