That Pedal Show - Simon Neil From Biffy Clyro Shows Us His Touring Rig

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Before we go any further: Simon doesn't play much in this video - hardly at all in fact. If you want to hear him in action, a live show or album is absolutely the best place for that.
So, in this video, Dan talks to Simon and his tech Richard Pratt about the seventh Biffy Clyro album, Ellipsis (released July 8 2016), alongside Simon's needs for the 2016 tour.
We were kindly invited to Biffy's production rehearsal space; it's a working environment where we had the opportunity to get a guided tour of the rig that Dan was involved in bringing together, as it's all controlled by multiple G2s.
Despite the ostensible complexity, Simon's sound is actually very simple. His cleans go through a Fender Super Sonic 100, while the dirty sounds are through a Marshall SLP1959 (100-watt Plexi). There are also two Kemper Profiling Amplifiers to reinforce a handful of specific album sounds.
Everything else is there to make it roadworth, tourworthy and dependable.
One point of potential confusion is that the amps/cabs behind Simon aren't used in the conventional sense. The cabs are there as on-stage monitoring of guitar sounds for Simon, but the outfront amp sound is via single 12-inch speakers, mounted in Box Of Doom speaker coffins off stage. It's all in the video...
His pedals are:
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone
UK & Europe: bit.ly/35iLgCF
USA: bit.ly/3xrdbiS
Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2PkwxSu
USA: imp.i114863.net/9kQRe
Boss DD-3/DD-6/DD-7 Digital Delay (a mix of 3s, 6s and 7s over the A and B rigs)
Origin Effects Cali76 Compressor
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2uVGMBL
USA: bit.ly/323rheM
Australia: bit.ly/2rPSRWo
The whole rig is repeated in backup form, which is why there are two of everything!
Thank you so much to Simon for his time during rehearsals, also to Richard for helping us through the rig, and of course the rest of the Biffy crew for being so helpful and accommodating. As always, it's an absolute education listening to these guys.
For more on Biffy Clyro and the upcoming tour, please see www.biffclyro.com
For more on TheGigRig see www.thegigrig.com
If you like this stuff, please buy a T-shirt! www.thatpedalshowstore.com/
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@korrelics]

I wasn't familiar with this band but Simon Neil seems like one of the coolest and nicest dudes.

[@lunchpin403]

he's a lovely guy

[@21innocentbystander]

First 3 albums are great then it's absolute shit

[@lunchpin403]

21innocentbystander I think you're wrong, they've not had a bad album. Like Simon says, they're always doing something different

[@21innocentbystander]

Yeah well

[@madeindark5461]

there was a video of him went out to meet his fans in front of the hotel and sing a song with them, and it was raining outside. a really, really nice guy

[@mrc2662]

What an absolute gem of a human being Simon is. Thoroughly lovely man. Deserves all his success.

[@helloitsnicko]

Simon & Dave Grohl are going head to head in a nice-off

[@olliebutton]

BedroomBassist spoken to both. They’re both just the sweetest guys.

[@ChaseDougie]

Name drop horn

[@charliecooke3991]

Simon for the win

[@livingthedream137]

Yeah isn’t it great to see a rock star smile the whole time?

[@toddchavez5671]

Simon Neil is such a likeable guy

[@JamesWilson-bl8vy]

nicest guy you could meet so down to earth

[@ramonwilts]

Biffy Clyro really give it all live :) I saw them on Lowlands festival in the Netherlands where they played in the hour before Muse would play on the main stage. Biffy where in a tent with around 2000 fans.. The rest of the 50.000 people where at the main stage waiting on Muse. Biffy rocked the show, and stopped 5 minutes before the end of the hour.. "Run to Muse and enjoy yourselves guys!!" Simon shouted at the end. They are the perfect festival band, because they where those kids they play for. They are not pissed they are playing in a half empty tent, they rock every show. And appreciate everybody that does come and see them.

[@SeanChurchill97]

Massively underrated guitarist with great tone

[@kieranblacker]

Huge tone! Everytime i listen to them i think there sound is just insane!

[@benrothschild6074]

Dan is so excited in this video its adorable

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Ben Rothschild this vid was YEARS in the making. As a long time Biffy fan, it really was the best day ever ;)

[@ShoreyJr]

When he says "metal zone" I can't help but think of Colin from CSGuitars.

[@TheProgGuy]

ALL THE GAIN! NO MIDS! MOAR GAIN!

[@BravoColl]

This is still one of my favourite That Pedal Shows ever. Simon's just so passionate and so utterly normal considering how big Biffy are now. The Kilmarnock boys done good! 'Mon the Biff!

[@Matt-vp2bq]

Biffy clyro are the best band ever and the fact that they sound even better live is just amazing, MON THE BIFF ❤

[@stevecollette5501]

Literally one of the best bands making music today

[@rocknrollcrawlersbashers2204]

Biffy never fail to blow my mind..what he plays while singing sometimes is just incredible

[@rocknrollcrawlersbashers2204]

@ Cheers Paul..i am aware of that but thanks for the tip and i do see where your coming from

[@_ethanmc]

Louis CK talks to Jesus about guitar gear.

[@albertmctorre4789]

+1

[@0mer100]

Best coment ever

[@kenbenkai8621]

I never write it, because it never deserves it. But now it does. LOL

[@adamf5541]

Haha! Hilarious!

[@brunito210193]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJA

[@kelvinburn7743]

Best rig rundown ever! Musical affability at its finest.

[@adam872]

What an absolutely top bloke. I need to check out some of their music.

[@undershock94]

You totally should. One of the best guitar bands out there

[@undershock94]

Jimmy Jericho agreed

[@dagrohl1979]

Interested to hear what you think 3 years on?

[@johnmaseratis]

I enjoyed this enormously : two terrific (and charming) interviewees in Simon and Richard, and some really skilled interviewing - thanks, Dan, for leaving them space to talk !

[@Andrew_85]

Oh my god. Those three sounds at the end are pure perfection. They must inspire song writing so much. Great stuff

[@JBurtonTenor]

How absolutely refreshing to have such an amazing artist be such a clearly beautiful dude. As of course, is Dan. Thanks for this.

[@ProbablyMick]

What an absolute gem of a human! Simon seems like such a wonderful man!

[@ginoames]

4 years on and this is still one of the best episodes! Biffy rocks!

[@pani97]

Thank God! I've looked forever for Simon's complete rig and now my prayers have been answered. One of my favourite bands and totally awesome live. Thanks Dan!

[@matthewfuller42]

Awesome video guys, one of the best yet!! Keep up the good work

[@thewickedwizard]

Just finished listening to the new album. Another corker! been a fan from day one and they never disappoint! nice to see Simon is a nice guy too. Mon the Biff!

[@thegatheringrain8253]

I have been waiting since 2006 for a decent look at Simon's rig. This video has been a long long time coming, and it was so perfect! It will surely be used by Biffy scholars for years to come. 10/10 Thanks brother

[@jamiechellar8365]

This was divine, been waiting too see what he's got going on for ages

[@josuecintron7230]

Dan, you are a true inspiration, I don't miss your show and I love the way you and mick interact in the show. I wish I could ever meet you in person. Cheers and lots of Blessings for you and Mick !!!

[@Sheepie1985]

Yes! This is the rig I've wanted to see for years! Move over Premier Guitar, these rig rundowns are miles better!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

THIS. I like John, don't get me wrong, but Dan is the best.

[@Sheepie1985]

Exactly! Dan knows the gear better than anyone because he's a tech himself, this isn't about the band's music which seems to be where Premier Guitar's gone towards, this is about what everyone wants to know

[@91Fusion]

I'm enjoying being so spoilt for choice right now. Let's watch both!

[@LexTNeville]

Can't fault Premier Guitar for the amount of bands they cover. The guys cool too - 'Hi. What's this, and what's this? Ok cool thanks, cya.'

[@ForViewingOnly]

Great vid guys! Simon and Richard are really lovely people! I dig it when musicians (& their techies) are fun, decent and down to earth.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+ForViewingOnly most of them are... most... But yes, Simon and Richard are truly awesome dudes :)

[@scottguitar93]

SO HAPPY. I cannot believe, that an interview I've been dreaming of for so many years filled with such information about Simon's setup has finally happened! Absolutely awesome, thanks! Mon the fucking Biffy.

[@AndrewsRRaOS]

I was so excited to see you doing a rig rundown with Simon! Probably my favorite band ever, got to see them in the states a few years ago in a small club in Philly, their sound was MASSIVE! Great job with the show and all you do!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Andrew Shipman Cheers Andrew, yep, my favourite band too :)

[@martdejong9989]

Man this is just so awesome! you guys are just so positive and it get's me hyped everytime i watch you guys. Cheers

[@wiljedgar]

"Two cups of coffee, some cake and some thinking about" haha. The main and spare rig config is just fascinating! Great run through and interview man. Thank you!

[@johnnielsen82]

"Changing pickups? We don't do that in Biffy" :) What a cool and humble guy Simon is, and so full of joy. Great stuff! Thanks for the treat!

[@jbs8958]

Epic! Been waiting on that episode. Biffy are amazing! There's something so rock and roll about the minimalist approach, and boy does it work for them. Looking forward to their summer gigs.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Jollyboy Jay me too, I'll be following them around like a hippy follows the grateful dead

[@jamiespeirs885]

What a brilliant rig tour

[@FacPhoto]

This is my favourite interview of all time. My face ached at the end. Brilliant.. Simon too, what a lovely guy. No pretence, just a guitar nut!

[@adamjones4220]

It is a life goal to have my tummy rubbed by Simon Neil. Brilliant interview, new subscriber for sure!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Adam Jones it was a real moment for sure :)

[@dose160]

Two major appreciations incoming. First is I've never heard of this band before and decided to give them a listen. The songs are awesome and they are one of those bands that delivers even better live. Secondly it's nice to see someone who isn't using top of the line effects. I mean sometimes it's all about the sound you connect with and Simon definitely found that in pedals that aren't a high price tag or require a 1 year wait list.

[@Jamesyates2609]

I'm glad the show is getting bigger and speaking to bigger artists, well deserved ☺️

[@ThatPedalShow]

+James Yates cheers James :)

[@Dchord88]

Great band, great lad and superb Dan (I'd get emotional too if I were in your shoes). As a Biffy fan and guitar enthusiast this video is the best on KZbin land. Thank you guys from Italy!!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Giuseppe Ferrari cheers G :)

[@chrisn8115]

Really enjoyed this, cheers guys. Mon the biff!

[@killz1985]

best episode ever!! Great work.... Simon is incredible song writer and person. Thats how all rock stars should act!!! thanks dan and mick

[@ThatPedalShow]

+killz1985 was entirely our pleasure, yep, super guy :)

[@angelojulioth3616]

I absolutely love his tones.

[@TheMRCHEEFY]

Great show, amazing rig, super nice bloke! Keep up the good work guys!

[@timbob.]

What a brilliant bloke Richard is! Reminds me of a few friends growing up. Loved this show, fascinating stuff and with a great band. Didn't know iso cabs even existed.

[@mrfishmon5517]

He seems like a really down to earth sound bloke in all of his interviews. A breath of fresh air.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+gareth fishwick he's wonderful, total legend

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

i love the way you consistently talk over him

[@SuperGreenFirefly]

Biffy are incredible live, and Simon seems so down to earth and passionate about music. I'd love to meet him.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+MC Porge He's a wonderful human, that's for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@danclyrogaming85]

MC Porge I've met him multiple times, he's a pure gent.

[@mattraino3274]

Truly one of the best TPS vids! I’ve watched this a few times over the years - when the Metal Zone came out I almost fell off my couch. FBC

[@malloc_01]

What a great guy Simon is - awesome !

[@mikeprice6426]

New man crush on Simon :) saw them live for first time on Wednesday unbelievable stage presence

[@Lobberzillo]

I loved the term "Be the architect of your own sound".

[@JoelStephen18]

Simon is such a genuinely nice bloke, good interview too!

[@TimothyPage06]

I wasn't familiar with this band at all until I tried one of the squier Simon Neil strats when I was living in the UK.I was super impressed so I went to check them out, he has a GIGANTIC sound!

[@jimi4405]

Simon is the best dude around, man. Talented, intelligent, humble and gracious! He represents british music perfectly! And the sounds he gets from a strat 💁🏻‍♂️

[@BV_Beve]

Fantastic band, great interview, great guys, genius T shirt intro and emotional end, fabulous stuff !!!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+bvninja cheers B, I was worried about the intro having never met Simon before, so glad it worked :)

[@chumbawhat]

Great interview lads

[@marccolon6297]

thanks guys

[@freepadz6241]

That was amazing.

[@Kalamazoom]

Awesome ! What a legend

[@_jonnyp]

Can't wait to get home and watch this, have my tickets ready and waiting for Belfast at the end of the month!

[@andrewbeaton6754]

Thanks for this, awesome stuff.

[@ryanholio]

What a great episode! I'm thinking I need to start listening to biffy. Seems like a great bloke and impressively humble.

[@NickShillitoMusic]

I've been a die hard fan for years. They are the most lovely lovely people and incredible musicians. Try their first three albums :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

+ryanholio oh man, such a great band. Start with opposites, then work through the back catalogue :)

[@LexTNeville]

I mind seeing them at Belladrum near Inverness. The guys string broke, blood everywhere yet the show carried on. Also, look for 'Blackened Sky'.

[@musicandthewalk]

Wow Simon's wisdom in music writing is deep. Awesome song writter

[@ralvknights]

Great interview. Nice iso cabs and pedal controllers!

[@JackDaniels10101]

What a wonderful video... I'm loving what you guys do. I'd love to see, and hear, more of the rigs that Dan builds. Maybe some alone time for Mick playing through them as well... ;)

[@MatoMisik]

You make my day guys! :D And top of that, next week Biffy in da Prague... so, my ears are ready to hear this guitar awesomeness :)

[@MERTORZ94]

best episode ever!!!! mon the biff

[@NoyzyBoyZ3]

Great one dudes! All I can think about is how much money is wrapped up in his gear! That has to be one of THE greatest feelings on earth for a guitar player!It's all dialed in! Don.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+NoyzyBoyZ3

[@flatsix666]

You can tell just how much Dan loves his job! :) great interview fella's!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Kossofffan cheers K, yeah, it's too much fun to be called work :)

[@PaisleyWilde]

This is super cool. Going to check out some Biffy Clyro now!

[@johngregsonguitar]

Great interview guys - mon the Biffy!

[@SB-pv6df]

Great video, thanks for sharing. That pedal set-up is blowing my mind. I'd figured from shows that they were using some kind of remote system, but not clued up enough to figure out how it worked exactly so it was nice to see. I bought a MetalZone when I started playing (circa 2002) precisely because I knew Simon used it. Shame the HM2 Heavy Metal seems to be gone!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great stuff! What a nice guy Simon Neil is! :)

[@matrich1983]

Such a pleasant guy!

[@GrimmusiKRecords]

Simon is so laid back, love it! Brother-from-another-mother type of guy.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+GrimmusiK Records he's the best :)

[@Jalliams]

"Ambition's a good thing, but it's kind of the enemy of creativity to a certain extent." Love that. Love Mike Vennart of Oceansize, and this episode is a further 'in' for Biffy where exploring a new band is concerned. Cheers guys, fantastic installment.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+James R. P Williams yes, I love that! Such a pearl of wisdom

[@54spatula]

Wow. What a nice and friendly chap Simon is.

[@scottwilliamson8887]

thank you so much

[@drebrose1983]

wicked. Great episode

[@thatblissdestroy]

A masterclass in having a "rubbish" tone that sounds utterly amazing in a loud band context. Would love to have seen and heard from Vennart as well, his rig is always gorgeous.

[@AdamTheobald]

Great insight, good work!

[@Dantotherivertosilenceme]

Loving the new album. Its definitely different from the last album but it's definitely up there with their best stuff to date. Cant wait to see it live

[@titouyou1]

Great idea ! I saw their OUI FM Paris Gig at the Place de la République. They were awesome. Please come back to France.

[@ilyalipatov9469]

Thank you!

[@paqman78]

Mike their second guitarist is a dream addition to Biffy. People need to check out his band Oceansize. Mike is one of the best and most underrated songwriters ever and its such a shame that there aren't more people who know about him.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+paqman78 Mike is a legend! Super guy, incredible talent :)

[@jlbradders]

Interesting... I'll check Oceanside out. If its anything remotely like Biffy then I'll be hooked immediately

[@Guenter34]

Simon Neil seems like such a pleasant, down to earth guy. I'd love to meet him.

[@jaylamb1434]

That was cool to speak of the peavey bandit. It's like old vans, you can't get rid of them. Love the channel.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+gigi 4 me cheers G :)

[@sudoggo]

Hello, Mick here... Gets me every time :D

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Miroslav Šuvada :0)

[@robytjoseph]

I love those words...it means we're in for something good!

[@Allthewaydown89]

Mon the biffy, enjoyed this very much :)

[@mwdyceffylgwaith2168]

the 'big' sound - iconic! opening D chord from 'Questions & Answers'

[@kmickp1166]

Excellent👍👍👍

[@8stringsofdeath72]

Holy Moley! That rig is like having a RAID hard drive setup. If some part fails, the back up kicks in. Impressive. And your G2 seems to handle it like a breeze. Very cool. I knew the G2 was amazing but that just blows my mind. I swear one day I will have you build my pedalboard.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+8 Strings Of Death will be an honour ;)

[@xankyxankyxanky]

What a lovely chat!

[@brendonmellere491]

Simon seems like the nicest guy in the world!

[@patreeves5785]

Great show👍🏾👍🏾

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Pat reeves cheers coach :) OSS!

[@drage12100]

I love his speaking voice

[@niloayer]

Two masters

[@guitarFlownimo]

Such a nice dude!!

[@nathanbrown7693]

Liked before I watched ten seconds of the video!