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

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 ). The first gig he ever attended was Rancid at Glasgow Barrowlands in 1995, when he was fifteen.

Career

Biffy Clyro

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

Marmaduke Duke

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

Personal life

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

Musical equipment used

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

Bass guitars

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

Amplifiers

Other

His tech is Dave White