Simon Neil
| Simon Neil | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Simon Alexander Neil |
| Born |
31 August 1979 Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Origin | Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-hardcore |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, sitar, piano, saxophone, harmonica, melodica, mellotron, synthesizer, violin |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels |
Beggars Banquet 14th Floor Roadrunner |
| Associated acts |
Biffy Clyro Marmaduke Duke ZZC |
| Website | www.biffyclyro.com |
Simon Alexander Neil (born 31 August 1979) is a Scottish vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter.
He is known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro and Marmaduke Duke.
Born in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland, Simon Neil formed Biffy Clyro in 1995 at 15 years old recruiting Kilmarnock-born James Johnston and someone known only as Barry on bass and drums respectively, calling themselves Screwfish. Barry was soon replaced by Ben Johnston, James'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 Beggars Banquet representative. Soon after, the band was signed to the independent Beggar's Banquet.
Biffy Clyro have since released seven 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.
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.
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