James Johnston, the bassist for the acclaimed Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the group's upcoming UK and European tour. The musician cited ongoing struggles with mental health and addiction issues as the reason for his departure.
A Heartfelt Statement on Social Media
The 45-year-old shared the news directly with fans via the band's official Instagram page and other social channels. In a candid post, Johnston expressed his heartbreak at having to step back but emphasised the necessity of prioritising his wellbeing.
"For some time, I have been living with mental health problems which have led to addiction issues that I have kept concealed for a long time," he wrote. Johnston admitted this had "caused significant problems" for both himself and those close to him, concluding that "the time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them."
Tour Plans and Replacement
Biffy Clyro's extensive tour is scheduled to commence on 9 January 2025 in Belfast. The run of dates will continue through the summer, including shows in Australia and New Zealand. A major highlight is set to be a headline performance at London's Finsbury Park in July, poised to be one of the biggest shows of their career.
Johnston confirmed that session bassist Naomi MacLeod, described as a "dear friend," will step in to cover his parts for the duration of the tour. He also took the opportunity to apologise to and thank his bandmates—frontman Simon Neil and his twin brother, drummer Ben Johnston—for their "continued love, patience, support and understanding."
Looking Forward with Hope
Striking a note of optimism amidst the challenging announcement, Johnston reassured fans that he has begun receiving professional help. "I have recently started to receive the professional help I need and would like to reassure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel," he stated.
The news was met with an immediate and overwhelming wave of support from the band's dedicated fanbase online, with many commending his bravery in speaking openly about such personal challenges.
Formed in Kilmarnock in 1995, Biffy Clyro achieved their chart breakthrough with 2007's Puzzle, which reached number two. They have since secured several UK number one albums, including Opposites (2013), Ellipsis (2016), and A Celebration of Endings (2020). Their latest album, Futique, was released in September 2024.
