BIFFY Clyro have played to millions of people on some of the biggest stages around the world. Now the Ayrshire trio are set to perform for just 50 fans at a time at a string of intimate shows – through virtual reality (VR).
The rockers have created the UK’s first immersive music video for new track Flammable in a partnership with tech giants Samsung.
Filmed using 360 degree cameras, the clip can be seen by visiting the three-and-a-half-storey Hypercube studio, a portable screening room which will tour festivals this summer.
Groups of up to 50 people at a time will step inside the black box and don VR headsets to find themselves between frontman Simon Neil and bandmates James and Ben Johnston as they perform before pyrotechnics in a perspex cube suspended above an abandoned warehouse.
Announcing the project yesterday, Samsung promised an “epic” experience that would take festivalgoers so close “they will expect to feel the sweat flying off the trio as they step inside a moment of music history”.
The company said: “As the band begins to play, viewers can experience the explosive buzz as the pyrotechnics and the laser lighting erupt around them and mercilessly target the box from all directions, complementing the rousing riffs and weighty lyrics of the song to get hearts racing and give users the ultimate all-round experience.”
Currently at the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall, the Hypercube will come to Scotland later this month for the Glasgow Summer Sessions in Bellahouston Park, landing on August 26, when Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds play, and staying on site for the Biffy Clyro gig the next day.
It will then move on to Bestival on the Isle of Wight.
Neil said: “We’ve always wanted to get involved in VR so we’re really pleased to Samsung have given us this opportunity. It’s great to create such an amazing experience for our fans – the result is awesome.”
Ross Cairns, creative director at the tech firm, said: “This project was born out of a desire to bring the best parts of live music to an audience so people can feel closer to the band than ever before. Biffy were the perfect partners for this.
“We’re delighted to bring the wonders of virtual reality to a generation of music fans in this way and demonstrate how we are empowering people to use technology in a way that allow them to experience the extraordinary.
“As a brand, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, merging virtual reality with the real world.”
Bob Workman, of Biffy’s record label Warner Music UK, added: “We’re really excited to bring together Samsung, who are leaders in technology and innovation, with Biffy Clyro who are one of the most exciting and dynamic bands from the UK. Together they’ve created a stunning, immersive and memorable experience that’s sure to delight fans.”
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