Biffy Clyro bassist James Johnston pulls out of tour due to “addiction issues”
Biffy Clyro bassist James Johnston has announced he has pulled out of the band’s upcoming tour in order to address his “addiction issues”.
The band made a statement on their social media channels on December 15th directly from Johnston, which said he was “heartbroken” to not be performing with the band on their tour, which is set to kick off in Belfast in January.
He said: “For some time, I have been living with mental health problems which have led to addiction issues”, subsequently explaining that he has kept the problem “concealed for a long time”.
Johnston added: “This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me – the time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them.”
Going on to address his bandmates, frontman Simon Neil and drummer – and his twin brother – Ben Johnston, the bassist said he was “extremely sorry” but wanted to “thank them for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time.”
He continued: “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.”
Turning to reveal his replacement for the tour, Johnston added: “To all our fans, your support means so much to me and in the meantime, our dear friend Naomi Macleod will be taking care of bass duties, and I cannot think of a better person for the job.”
Macleod has played bass for Neil’s side project band, Empire State Bastard, and currently plays with Bitch Falcon.
Along with Biffy Clyro’s forthcoming UK tour, which will take in stops in Belfast, Nottingham, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Aberdeen, and Glasgow, they also recently announced their biggest ever headline show, which is set to take place in Finsbury Park, London, on July 3rd, 2026.
The band’s latest album, Futique, was released in September this year.
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