James Johnston, bassist of Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, has announced he will not join the band's upcoming UK, European, Australian and New Zealand tours, citing mental health and addiction issues. The 45-year-old musician shared a statement on the band's Instagram page explaining his decision.
In the statement, Johnston 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.' He added that these issues 'have caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me' and that 'the time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them.'
Johnston apologised to frontman Simon Neil and his twin brother Ben, the band's drummer, thanking them for 'their continued love, patience, support and understanding.' He revealed he has recently started professional help and reassured fans 'there is light at the end of the tunnel.'
Session bassist Naomi MacLeod, described as a 'dear friend' of the band, will step in for the tour, which begins on 9 January in Belfast and includes a headline slot at London's Finsbury Park in July. Biffy Clyro formed in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire in 1995 and have scored four UK number one albums, most recently 2020's A Celebration Of Endings. Their latest album, The Myth of the Happily Ever After, was released in September.
Fans have shown an outpouring of support for Johnston following his announcement.
