Francis (Fran) Johnson

(drums/percussion)

Born in Stockport, I lived my life in and around the area until 1976 when I moved to Stalybridge. I have a daughter named Melanie and I am married to Ana. There is also a young man called Liam in my life, whom I have known all his life and I am his adopted dad, unofficially that is. Ana and I both go to New Life Church in Cockbrook, Tameside. I have an electronics manufacturing company in Hyde, Cheshire that employs 22 people.

When I was a young man I used to enjoy listening to bands like The Who, AC/DC, blues and soul music. I got interested in playing drums when I was 14 and as a left handed drummer that can cause quite a few problems for the sound men, at gigs where there is more than one band playing.

Besides drums I also have a passion to write music so I learnt to play guitar right handed. I started playing drums in a school band and as I couldn’t afford a drum kit I resigned to play on my knees and any other object that was in front of me: cardboard boxes, chairs, table etc. My Mum and Dad bought me my first drum kit for £15 when I was fifteen.  Ever since, I have been involved in music playing drums for a number of bands, mainly secular, and playing guitar for my song writing. In the 80s I owned a commercial recording studio in Stockport where many northern bands recorded. I have had the opportunity do a lot of session work over the years.  Joining the Predators was an exciting time for me as a Christian and as a musician. This allowed me to contribute to the song writing for the band and for other artists.

I stopped playing for a long time as I concentrated on developing my business, until we reformed in 2008.

For me, being able to deliver a positive message about my faith as a Christian is a great privilege, but to be able to do it again at the age of 60, well, it’s got to be God!