Simon Neil

Simon Neil
Background information
Birth name	Simon Alexander Neil
Born	31 August 1979 (1979-08-31)
Origin	Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland
Genres	Alternative rock, post-hardcore
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, record producer
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, sitar, piano, saxophone, harmonica, melodica, mellotron, synthesizer
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Beggars Banquet 14th Floor Roadrunner
Associated acts	Biffy Clyro Marmaduke Duke
Website	www.biffyclyro.com

Simon Alexander Neil (born 31 August 1979, Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland) is a Scottish vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, known for his work in the bands Biffy Clyro and Marmaduke Duke.

Career

Biffy Clyro

Main article: Biffy Clyro

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 greatly; 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 five 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.

Marmaduke Duke

Main article: Marmaduke Duke

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.

Personal life

Neil lives in Ayr with his wife Francesca Neil, an English teacher at Cumnock Academy, whom he married at Ayr St Columba Church on 5 January 2008. A tattoo on Neil's chest, God Only Knows What I’d Be Without You, refers both to the Beach Boys song lyric and to his wife Francesca. It was the first song they danced to.

Neil also has an interest in football, and his favourite team is Rangers F.C.

Musical equipment used

The following is a list of musical equipment used by Simon Neil:

Guitars

Electric

• Fender Standard Stratocasters – Various different Mexican models, including White, Red, Sunburst (with neck pickup & controls removed), Black, and Metallic Blue.
• Fender 1960 Custom Shop Stratocasters – Fiesta Red, Frost Metallic, Lake Placid Blue, and White.
• Fender 50s Stratocaster Relic
• Fender Telecaster Standard – USA model, owned by James Johnston, three tone sunburst, can be seen in the music video for "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies".
• Fender Telecaster Custom '62 – Japanese model, three tone sunburst, can be seen in the music video for "Only one word comes to mind".
• Squier Simon Neil Signature Stratocaster
• Patrick Eggle New York – Red.

Effects pedals

• BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
• BOSS MD-2 Distortion
• BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone
• BOSS DD-6 Digital Delayx2
• BOSS LS-2 Line Selector

Previous effects pedals

• BOSS DS-1 Distortion
• BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Wah

Amplifiers

• Peavey Delta Blues Combo into a Marshall MF400B Cabinet
• Fender Hot Rod Deville 4x10 Combo into a Hayden Peacemaker 4x12
• Marshall 1959SLP Head
• Peavey Classic Head and Peavey Classic 412 Cabinet
• Hayden MoFo 30W tube head with Hayden 4x12