Biffy Clyro’s tour has suffered another setback after original member James Johnston pulled out over ‘concealed’ addiction issues.
The bassist, who started the band with twin brother Ben and frontman Simon Neil in the late 90s, revealed he has not been well for ‘some time’.
On the band’s official Instagram, James, 45, wrote that he was ‘heartbroken’ to confirm he would not feature on the 2026 tour.
‘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 shared.
‘This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me – the time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them.’
In the heartfelt note, he apologised to his bandmates, thanking them for their ‘continued love, patience, support, and understanding’.
James confirmed that he is now receiving professional help, reassuring fans that ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’.
Bass player Naomi MacLeod is set to take over for the tour, which sees the band perform their biggest headlining show at Finsbury Park.
Fans supported his decision to step back in the comments with fellow rockers Enter Shikari posting a heart in response.
Nashville star Sam Palladio said he was ‘sending lots of love, and added: ‘You’ve done the hardest thing, which is facing it. We’re all rooting for you.’
Jo Whiley and other industry names like Neill Braganza also shared their love and support.
The news comes weeks after the band were forced to scrap their upcoming US dates over an issue with their visas.
Simon took to Instagram at the time, visibly frustrated and using plenty of expletives, to explain the unfortunate mix-up to fans.
‘We are so angry about this. We’ve been in touch with four or five immigration lawyers, we’ve been in touch with Congress.’
However, there was nothing ‘any of them can do to help’, so the group has had to postpone the series of gigs.
James began playing with brother Ben and school friend Simon under the name of Screwfish in 1995, before moving to Glasgow to pursue music full-time.
The group gained a cult following, playing unsigned gigs and touring with artists like Weezer for years ahead of their big moment.
Biffy Clyro, from Kilmarnock, broke through in the early 00s with big guitar-heavy hits such as Many of Horror and Bubbles.
Many of Horror saw a second life as Christmas number one under the name of When We Collide, a cover version by X Factor winner Matt Cardle in 2010.
Biffy Clyro have eight top five albums, with their latest album, Futique, marking a reunion after four years away.
They first played a secret show under their original name at Glasgow’s SWG3 before taking to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2025 ahead of headliner The 1975.
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