Biffy Clyro’s bassist James Johnston will miss the band’s upcoming tour to focus on his mental health.
The Many of Horror hitmakers are due to embark on a string of arena shows in January but the “heartbroken” musician is planning to take time out to tackle his “addiction issues” and other struggles.
In a statement shared on the band’s social media accounts, he wrote: “I am heartbroken to let you know that I will not be joining the band on the upcoming tours.
“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.
“This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me.
“The time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them.”
James went on to praise his twin brother, Ben Johnston, who is the band’s drummer, and frontman Simon Neil for their love and support and confirmed he has already sought professional help.
He wrote: “I am extremely sorry to Simon and Ben and thank them for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time.
“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.”
The bassist will be replaced at the gigs by Naomi Macleod, who also performs with B**** Falcon and was part of Simon’s side-project Empire State B******.
James concluded: “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.”
As well as their arena tour, Biffy also have their biggest headline show to date scheduled for next year, when they will play to 40,000 fans in London’s Finsbury Park next July. Support for that concert will come from acts including Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco, and Marmozets.
And in addition to their own shows, the group have a number of festival gigs booked in, including Sziget 2026 and Noches del Botanico in Madrid.
