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 | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ben Hamilton Johnston |
| Born | 25 April 1980 |
| Origin | Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Genres | Rock, New prog |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums, Percussion, Vocals |
| Years active | 1995 – present |
| Labels | Beggars Banquet 14th Floor Warner |
| Associated acts | Biffy 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
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
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
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.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ben Johnston. |
Notes
- Puzzle Album Booklet, p.2
- Smith, Lizzie. "Kilmarnock FC: Biffy are best bar none". Kilmarnock Standard. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- Kilmarnock Fc. "Killie Open Day 2017 - Monty's Marvels vs Hooky's Heroes". Retrieved 21 January 2018 – via YouTube.
- BiffyTabs Equipment – Ben Archived 7 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine