Biffy Clyro announce new festival gig after bassist steps back to deal with mental health struggles
Biffy Clyro are set to headline Kendall Calling 2026.
Biffy Clyro have been announced as headliners for Kendall Calling 2026 - shortly after bassist James Johnston announced he's taking some time out from the band.
The musician will miss the band's upcoming shows to focus on his mental health after admitting to battling addiction issues.
And it's now been confirmed that the Scottish rockers are set to top the bill at the music festival in the Lake District, which returns to Lowther Deer Park between July 30 and August 2.
Their fellow headliners include Wolf Alice, The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club.
Ben Robinson, Kendal Calling co-founder, said: “I’m so excited to reveal next year’s line-up! Our brilliant team has secured a line-up worthy of the jaw dropping faith the Kendal Calling family put in us each year. Selling 98 per cent of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here's an early Christmas present to say thank you!”
On finally pinning Biffy down, he added: “It’s been a long time coming booking Biffy Clyro, we’ve been courting them like blushing school kids for a decade, it will be a true highlight. As will Wolf Alice as they bring a big smile to the Cumbrian hills. Like any classic movie, it’s not all about the leading roles, as ever we’re welcoming a cast of hundreds of artists to our stages and I can’t wait for you all to dig into this incredible group of musicians.”
The Many of Horror hitmakers are due to embark on a string of arena shows in January, but the "heartbroken" bass player is undergoing treatment to tackle his issues head-on.
In a statement shared on the band's social media accounts this week, he wrote: "I am heartbroken to let you know that I will not be joining the band on the upcoming tours.
"For some time, I have been living with mental health problems which have led to addiction issues that I have kept concealed for a long time.
"This has caused significant problems for myself and everyone around me.
“The time has come to properly address my illnesses and deal with them."
James went on to praise his twin brother, Ben Johnston, who is the band's drummer, and frontman Simon Neil for their love and support, and confirmed he has already sought professional help.
He wrote: “I am extremely sorry to Simon and Ben and thank them for their continued love, patience, support and understanding throughout this time.
“I have recently started to receive the professional help I need and would like to reassure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
The bassist will be replaced at the gigs by Naomi Macleod, who also performs with B**** Falcon and was part of Simon's side-project Empire State B******.
James concluded: “To all our fans, your support means so much to me and in the meantime, our dear friend Naomi Macleod will be taking care of bass duties, and I cannot think of a better person for the job.”
As well as their arena tour, Biffy also have their biggest headline show to date scheduled for next year, when they will play to 40,000 fans in London's Finsbury Park next July. Support for that concert will come from acts including Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco, and Marmozets.
And in addition to their own shows, the group have a number of other festival gigs booked, including Sziget 2026 and Noches del Botanico in Madrid.
