Ben Johnston (Scottish musician)

Ben Hamilton Johnston (born 25 April 1980) is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.

Ben Johnston
Background information
Birth nameBen Hamilton Johnston
Born (1980-04-25) 25 April 1980
OriginKilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
GenresRock, New prog
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsDrums, Percussion, Vocals
Years active1995 – present
LabelsBeggars Banquet
14th Floor
Warner
Associated actsBiffy Clyro
Marmaduke Duke

Early life

Johnston was born and raised in Kilmarnock with his twin brother James Johnston (who would go on to be the bassist for Biffy Clyro), and his younger brother, Adam (who used to be Biffy Clyro's drum tech[1]).

Career

Biffy Clyro
Main article: Biffy Clyro

Having previously played drums with schoolfriend Simon Neil and brother James Johnston in a band called Skrewfish in 1995, Simon moved to Glasgow whilst Ben and James stayed in Ayrshire. They were soon discovered by manager Dee Bahl and then signed to Beggars Banquet in 2001.

Marmaduke Duke
Main article: Marmaduke Duke

Johnston plays drums when the conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke plays live.

Other

When Ben was in College he fronted a Rage Against the Machine tribute band Raj Against The Shereen as revealed in an interview with Biffy Clyro at Reading Festival where they (Biffy Clyro) performed a cover version of the song "Killing in the Name".

Personal life

Ben is married to Louise Johnston and they live together in Ayrshire with their son Ross. He is an avid fan of Scottish football team Kilmarnock FC. In January 2011 was asked by the club to take part in the half time 'Cross Bar Challenge'. He scored on Soccer AM whilst sporting a Killie strip.[2] Ben also took part in a Kilmarnock FC open day match alongside James and Simon, Ben kicked off the match with the first kick of the ball.[3]

Musical equipment used

The following is a list of musical equipment used by Ben Johnston.

Cymbals
  • Ben Johnston is endorsed by Sabian (According to ).
    • 6" AAX Splash
    • 8" AA China Splash
    • 13" Paragon Hi-Hats
    • 17" AAX X-Plosion Crash
    • 18" AAX X-Plosion Crash
    • 18" AAX X-Plosion China
    • 19" AAX X-Plosion Crash
    • 19" Paragon Chinese
    • 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride

Drums

Johnston is also endorsed by Pearl.

  • Pearl Reference Kit colour:Rootbear Fade
    • Pearl Chad Smith Signature 14x5.5 Snare
    • 22x18" Bass drum, 12x9" Rack tom, 14x14" and 16x16" floor toms
    • Pearl Eliminator Double Bass Pedal[4]

Biffy's Tour Manager Neil told fans on the BC forum that Ben is now using a 'Pearl Eric Singer Signature Snare Drum' and is waiting for a new totally custom Pearl Masters Kit

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

New Kit

Pearl Masters Colour :Black

22x18" Bass drum, 12x8" Rack tom, 14x14" and 16x16" floor toms

    • Pearl Eliminator Double Bass Pedal

Drum Heads: Bass Drum: BATTER: Aquarian coated superkick 2 RESONANT: Coated Pearl Masters Pro Tone Snare: BATTER: Aquarian coated Hi-Energy RESONANT: Hi-Performance Snare Bottom Rack tom, first floor and second floor: BATTER: Remo Pinstripes RESONANT: Remo Ambassador

Other
  • The Neil Peart signature series drumstick
  • Angel AX25K Glockenspiel
  • Fender CD-140SCE Can Be Seen Hanging on His Wall in the Live Lounge Videos
  • Johnston also plays a customised Cajon when Biffy Clyro are playing acoustically.

Notes
  1. Puzzle Album Booklet, p.2
  2. Smith, Lizzie. "Kilmarnock FC: Biffy are best bar none". Kilmarnock Standard. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  3. Kilmarnock Fc. "Killie Open Day 2017 - Monty's Marvels vs Hooky's Heroes". Retrieved 21 January 2018 – via YouTube.
  4. BiffyTabs Equipment – Ben Archived 7 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
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