Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil says he “burnt myself out” trying to make every show “perfect”.
The Scottish musician – who has battled anxiety – has learned through therapy that he doesn’t have to “do everything at 100 per cent” and with the “utmost intensity”.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, he said: “I’ve realised we need to celebrate what we’re doing more and be less self-critical. We are a successful band but we still get that ’90s kids sell-out shame.”
He continued: “One of the things I’ve learned from talking to therapists is I need to operate at 90 per cent rather than doing everything at 100 per cent — otherwise there’s nowhere else to go and I’ve exhausted myself. I’ve really burnt myself out at points by just doing everything at the utmost intensity.”
Neil – who is joined by twin brothers James and Ben Johnston in the rock trio – tries to be less critical of their live shows.
He added: “I’m always really tough on us because I want every show to feel like it is the best show we’ve ever done. Now I’m easing off a little.
“I’ve realised there’s no such thing as a perfect show. I think that’s from maturing — finally.”
Biffy were “overworked” and Neil used his side project, Empire State Bastard, as a way to deal with his “anger”.
He explained: “We were really overworked and our minds were all frazzled so I went away and screamed for a couple of years.
“That band’s music helped with my anger about how things were going with us and the world.”
The band are back today (19.09.25) with their brand-new album, Futique, and have never been happier or more present.
He explained: “We’re having a great f******* time now, because life often only makes sense in the rear-view mirror.
“I’ve missed out on so many great things with Biffy because I wasn’t present. I want to try and combat that as we don’t know what the world’s going to be like in five years.
“The album title, Futique, is a play on two words, future and antique.”