Glastonbury 2025: Watch Biffy Clyro pay tribute to Brian Wilson with ‘God Only Knows’
Three weeks on from his passing, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro paid tribute to the late Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson with a cover of ‘God Only Knows’ during their set on the Pyramid Stage.
The heavy riffers first appeared at Glastonbury back in 2007, and they’ve rarely strayed far from it since. Today marked their largest crowd and the first time they’ve hit the main stage, but it was their fifth appearance overall.
Simon Neil was evidently keen to make it a special occasion. The singer is a Brian Wilson devotee with the words to ‘God Only Knows’ tattooed across his often bare chest. So, some of the more ardent fans had already made the prediction that a cover might’ve been in the offing. Wilson was a musical hero to many, including Paul McCartney who has been spotted among the VIP crowds at Worthy Farm, so there might be more tributes to comes.
Known for making the soundtrack to summer throughout the 1960s, Wilson led The Beach Boys for the first few years of their existence alongside his brothers, Dennis and Carl, as well as his cousin Mike Love. Since leaving The Beach Boys, Wilson had kept up an extensive solo career, with his last album At My Piano being released in 2021. He had also been recording songs for an upcoming solo album at the time of his death.
Upon hearing of the beloved icon’s death, many figures from the music world paid their respects to Wilson. Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr had released statements talking about how much they were impacted by Wilson’s music when the Fab Four were still together, and Bob Dylan also shared his thoughts, reminiscing on “the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius.”
Fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine also paid his respects, saying, “I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were.“
His statement continues, “I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh, and we will celebrate your music forever.”
You can watch Biffy Clyro’s tribute below.
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