Ben Johnston (Scottish musician)

Ben Hamilton Johnston (born 25 April 1980) is a drummer, vocalist, songwriter and member of Scottish group Biffy Clyro.

Ben Johnston
Johnston with Biffy Clyro, Germany, 2017
Background information
Birth name	Ben Hamilton Johnston
Born	(1980-04-25) 25 April 1980 (age 45)
Origin	Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland
Genres	Rock, New prog
Occupation	Musician
Instrument(s)	Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Years active	1995 – present
Labels	Beggars Banquet 14th Floor Warner
Member of	Biffy Clyro

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

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. Johnston plays drums when the conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke plays live. 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 a fan of Scottish football club Kilmarnock. 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 Kilmarnock F.C. strip.^[2] Ben also took part in Kilmarnock F.C.'s pre season open day football match, alongside James and Simon, with Ben kicking off the match.^[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
  • 14" Legacy 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

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.