Birth name Ben Hamilton Johnston Role Drummer Name Ben Johnston | Years active 1995 – present | |
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Born 25 April 1980 (age 43) ( 1980-04-25 ) Origin Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland Instruments Drums, Percussion, Vocals Labels Beggars Banquet
14th Floor Music groups Biffy Clyro (Since 1995), Marmaduke Duke Genres Rock music, Progressive rock Albums Only Revolutions, Opposites, Puzzle, Infinity Land, Blackened Sky | ||
Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter | ||
Ben Hamilton Johnston (born 25 April 1980) is a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.
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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 went on to be Biffy Clyro's drum tech).
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 an avid fan of Scottish football team Kilmarnock FC. He regularly takes his son to matches when not on tour and 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.
Musical equipment used
The following is a list of musical equipment used by Ben Johnston.
Cymbals
Drums
Johnston is also endorsed by Pearl.
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
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