News

Simon Neil’s new side-project Empire State Bastard announce first show

Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil and guitarist buddy Mike Vennart will make their live debut as Empire State Bastard at Hellfest this summer.

Simon Neil’s new side-project Empire State Bastard announce first show
Words:
Luke Morton
Photo:
Paul Harries

Biffy Clyro frontman Simon Neil has a new heavy side-project and their first-ever show has been revealed.

Amongst all the excitement for Hellfest's mega-announcement of Slipknot and Iron Maiden topping the main stage, over on the fourth stage, the excellently-named Empire State Bastard will be making their live debut.

Featuring touring Biffy guitarist Mike Vennart, the project has previously been described by Simon as "grindcore extreme metal" and he already has an album ready to go.

Simon has been rather busy with extra curricular activity as of late. As well as Empire State Bastard, he worked with recent tour-mates Architects on their track Goliath last year and a few months ago appeared on a new version of Goldfinger's Superman with Travis Barker and Avril Lavigne.

Biffy recently wrapped up a year of huge shows, including headline performances at The O2 in London and Download Festival, in support of latest album The Myth Of The Happily Ever After. No more dates for Empire State Bastard have been revealed, but keep your eyes peeled to K! for more info.

READ THIS: The rise of Biffy Clyro, as told through their most important gigs

Now read these

The best of Kerrang! delivered straight to your inbox three times a week. What are you waiting for?