Biffy Clyro, Idlewild top Edinburgh Hogmanay bill

Biffy Clyro will be joined by fellow Scots Idlewild. Picture: Frank Maddocks

The popular concert in Princes Street Gardens will see the New Year brought in by Biffy Clyro in the band’s only live performance of 2015.

The rockers will be supported by fellow Scots bands Idlewild and newcomers

Honeyblood, making up a patriotic line-up of homegrown talent.

Edinburgh band Idlewild. Picture: Contributed

Biffy Clyro, who have sold more than a million albums and 400,000 singles in the UK alone, headlined Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in 2010. The band’s success at home and abroad has continued in the past five years, including a headline slot at T in the Park.

In a statement, Biffy Clyro said: “We are so happy to come out of musical hibernation to kick off 2016 with the show on Hogmanay. We want to rock off the cobwebs and prepare for the ‘year of da Biff’. Nothing can compete with Edinburgh’s celebrations and we hope to make it a special night for everyone.”

The Capital also holds a special place in the hearts of Idlewild, as the band formed in the city 20 years ago.

The musicians returned to the live scene this year after releasing their first album since 2009, performing at summer festivals across the country.

Pete Irvine, director of Unique Events, which produces Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the city council, said: “We reckon it’s a real coup that Biffy have chosen Edinburgh’s Hogmanay not only for their first outing of 2015 but also to launch what looks like a very special year for them.

“Their stand-out performance two years ago headlining T in the Park reminded us that they are one of the most exciting live bands ever to come out of Scotland.

“Biffy have built a big international following and headlining an impressive Scottish line-up at Concert in the Gardens will please both the Scots and our audience who come from over 70 countries.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s festivals and events champion, said Idlewild were destined to be a “huge hit”.

He said: “Coupled with the famous fireworks display, this year’s celebrations will yet again entertain thousands of people and get 2016 off to a spectacular start.”

Warming up the stage for Idlewild and Biffy Clyro will be Honeyblood, who played the opening slot at the Foo Fighters gig at Murrayfield Stadium last week. The duo are made up of Edinburgh-born singer Stina Marie Claire Tweedale and drummer Cat Myers.

Tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens will go on general sale from 10am next Friday, while tickets for the street party are already on sale. Promoters have pledged a “new street party experience” complete with additional entertainment and increased arena space for crowds.

The three-day New Year festivities attract tens of thousands, and last year’s events – headlined by Lily Allen – generated £41.8 million for the economy.