Biffy Clyro bassist James Johnston has announced his withdrawal from the band’s forthcoming UK and European tour, citing ongoing struggles with mental health and addiction.
In a statement shared on the band’s social media channels, the 45-year-old revealed he had been privately battling these issues for an extended period.
Johnston disclosed that he has recently begun receiving professional treatment and expressed optimism, assuring fans that “there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Kilmarnock-formed rock group is scheduled to commence their tour on January 9 in Belfast, with further performances planned throughout the summer, including dates in Australia and New Zealand.
Many of their UK shows, including a performance at Glasgow’s Ovo Hydro in late January, are already sold out.
“I am heartbroken to let you know that I will not be joining the band on the upcoming tours,” Johnston wrote.
“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.”
He extended his apologies to frontman Simon Neil and his twin brother Ben, the band’s drummer, and thanked them “for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time.”
Session bassist Naomi MacLeod will temporarily fill in for Johnston during his absence.
The announcement has elicited a wave of supportive messages from fans.
One fan commented, “Thank you for putting yourself first James. The hardest part is accepting that you need help. We’re here when you’re ready to come back.”
Another added, “Sending loads of love brother. You’ve done the hardest thing which is facing it. We’re all rooting for you.”
Biffy Clyro recently revealed plans for their largest show to date, headlining London’s Finsbury Park in July 2026.
The trio has solidified its position as one of the UK’s foremost rock bands since their formation in the early 2000s, achieving eight top-five albums – four of which reached number one – and accumulating over a million in sales.
Their international breakthrough came with 2009’s Only Revolutions, which attained platinum status in the UK and garnered a Mercury Prize nomination.
The album featured two of their most popular tracks: “Bubbles” and “Many Of Horror,” the latter of which was later covered by X Factor winner Matt Cardle and topped the charts as “When We Collide.”
Futique, released in September, is the band’s first album in four years, following a period of hiatus.
The record has been met with positive reviews, with the NME describing it as one of Biffy’s “most personal and definitive records to date.”
Mojo magazine suggesting the trio had found a renewed sense of purpose.
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