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James Johnston (Scottish musician)

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James Johnston
Background information
Birth nameJames Robert Johnston
Born (1980-04-25) 25 April 1980 (age 44)
OriginKilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
GenresRock, alternative rock, progressive rock, nu prog, art rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, bass guitar, synth
Years active1995–present
LabelsBeggars Banquet, 14th Floor

James Robert Johnston (born 25 April 1980) is a Scottish bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro. He is also known as Jim or Jimbo and sometimes signs his name as such.

Early life

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Johnston was born and raised in Kilmarnock with his twin brother Ben (who became the drummer for Biffy Clyro), and his younger brother, Adam Johnston (who was Biffy Clyro's drum tech[1]). The first gig he ever attended was Rancid at Glasgow Barrowlands in 1995, when he was fifteen.

Career

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Biffy Clyro

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Having previously played bass with schoolfriend Simon Neil and brother Ben Johnston in a band called Skrewfish in 1995,[2] the trio moved to Glasgow, and were soon discovered by manager Dee Bahl, and then signed to Beggars Banquet, in 2001.

Marmaduke Duke

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Johnston plays bass guitar when the conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke plays live.

Personal life

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Johnston is fond of cycling, and can often be found cycling around the hills of Ayrshire.[3] Johnston currently resides with his wife in Glasgow, Scotland.

Musical equipment used

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

Bass guitars

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Johnston's basses are usually tuned to Biffy Clyro's preferred tuning of (DADG), but sometimes (BADG) for "Pause it and Turn It Up" and (CGCF) for "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies", as well as "That Golden Rule", "The Captain" and "Got Wrong".

Effects pedals

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Amplifiers

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Other

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His tech is Dave White

Notes

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  1. ^ Puzzle Album Booklet, p. 2
  2. ^ Beggars Banquet USA – Biffy Clyro Biography Archived 19 September 2002 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Kerrang! #1159, p. 21
  4. ^ "Biffy Clyro - End of (Bass part by James)". YouTube. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l BiffyTabs Equipment – James Archived 22 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Fender Interview with Biffy Clyro Archived 22 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine