Scottish singer Simon Neil, who is known as the frontman of Biffy Clyro, has spoke out about his attempts to enter Eurovision, after he first watched the contest 18 years ago.
Since forming the band in 1995, he has had 3 UK Top 10 singles alongside bandmates Ben & James Johnson. Their albums Opposites and Ellpisis have both reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart. In 2003, Simon Neil also formed a duo with Sucioperro’s JP Reid.
“You have to dream big”
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Simon Neil revealed that he made an attempt to enter the contest as part of his duo, Marmaduke Duke.
I have another band called Marmaduke Duke, and we did actually try entering Eurovision. You have to dream big.
– Simon Neil, speaking to The Sunday Times
He also revealed how he spent his evening watching Eurovision 18 years ago, which wasn’t how every fan would have been celebrating:
Eighteen years ago a friend and I took some acid and watched Eurovision, and it was one of the greatest nights of my life. The universe opened up to me. I got it, I realised how tongue-in-cheek the whole thing is.
– Simon Neil, speaking to The Sunday Times
Looking at Scotland in Eurovision
Over the years, several Scottish acts have represented the United Kingdom including 1969 winner Lulu and most recently, Scott Fitzgerald, who finished runner-up in 1988. Scotland also took part as an independent nation in the 2019 Eurovision Choir event in Gothenburg. Alba performed a medley in Scottish Gaelic, but failed to make the final three.
Could Simon Neil represent the UK in Eurovision in the future, and become the first Scottish representative in over three decades? Only time will tell…
Would you like to see a Scottish act back in Eurovision? Do you think Simon Neil would bring the UK a good result?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.
