Biffy Clyro: 'Alcoholism Nearly Split Band'
Drummer Ben Johnston speaks about his demons
Biffy Clyro drummer Ben Johnston has opened up about his drinking problem that almost sparked the demise of the band.
The 32-year-old said he would down pints of wine and black out causing him to miss band rehearsals and flights.
In the interview with Q Magazine, Ben explained: “I had no stop button. I would keep going and black out. Me and Simon (Neil) massively drifted apart.”
Ben said that his problem peaked when he passed out during a recording session in Los Angeles. His twin brother James found him on the floor having slashed his ear.
He continued: “I was, ‘Sorry, dude, I have no idea what happened.’ For some folk in Scotland, that’s an average Saturday night. But we’re sensitive guys. It was me that was gonna f*** it all up.”
Simon Neil added that the inner band tension was heightened by a series of heartbreaks in his own life.
“Life had been going great. Suddenly the band was falling apart and my wife had the roughest time. Devastating. I didn’t know how to make her feel better.
“I see so much…sadness in life. Perhaps that’s what comes through in my music. People have so much hurt and loss inside them, below the surface.
“I just feel for people. That’s such a ridiculous thing to say. But people have such a tough time in life. It is hardcore.”
Biffy Clyro’s sixth studio album ‘Opposites’ is released on 28th January.
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