Brian Johnson

Cliff Williams Phil Rudd Brian Johnson Stevie Young
Bon Scott Malcolm Young George Young Paul Matters Colin Burgess Neil Smith
Angus Young Cliff Williams

Brian Johnson

Who is Brian

Brian Johnson is one of the most recognizable voices in rock music, best known as the lead singer of AC/DC. He joined the band at a critical moment in their history and helped propel them to new heights of success. Here’s a detailed history of his time with AC/DC:

Early Life and Career:

Brian Johnson was born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, Gateshead, England. Before joining AC/DC, he had a successful career with the band Geordie, a glam rock band he formed in the early 1970s. Geordie had some success in the UK, but they never reached international stardom. Johnson was known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, traits that would later become key elements of AC/DC's live performances.

Joining AC/DC:

Brian Johnson joined AC/DC in 1980, following the tragic death of the band's original lead singer, Bon Scott. Scott had died from acute alcohol poisoning in February 1980, leaving the band devastated and uncertain about their future. However, the Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus, decided to continue and began searching for a new lead singer.

Legacy:

Brian Johnson's tenure with AC/DC is marked by his distinctive voice, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment to the band. He has been instrumental in maintaining AC/DC's status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Johnson’s ability to step into the role of lead singer after the death of Bon Scott and not only continue but elevate the band's success is a testament to his talent and resilience.

How he Joined

Brian Johnson was recommended to AC/DC by producer Mutt Lange, and he auditioned for the band by singing "Whole Lotta Rosie" and "Nutbush City Limits." The band was impressed by his vocal power and energy, and he was quickly hired as their new lead singer.

"Back in Black" and Major Success:

Johnson’s first album with AC/DC was "Back in Black," released in July 1980. The album was a massive success, both commercially and critically. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with hits like "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Hells Bells," and the title track "Back in Black." Johnson’s gritty, powerful voice perfectly suited the band’s hard-hitting sound, and his performance on the album solidified his place as a vital member of AC/DC.

"Back in Black" is often regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever made and was a fitting tribute to Bon Scott.

Continued Success:

Following "Back in Black," Brian Johnson continued to lead AC/DC through a series of successful albums, including:

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981): Featuring the title track, which became another anthem for the band. Flick of the Switch (1983): Marked a more stripped-down, raw sound. The Razor's Edge (1990): Featured the hit "Thunderstruck," which became one of the band's most enduring songs. Black Ice (2008): A return to form that topped the charts worldwide. Rock or Bust (2014): Another successful release that saw the band continuing to fill arenas and stadiums.

Health Issues and Temporary Departure:

In 2016, during the Rock or Bust tour, Brian Johnson was forced to step down from performing due to severe hearing loss, which threatened to leave him permanently deaf if he continued. AC/DC had to find a temporary replacement to finish the tour, and they brought in Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses as a guest vocalist.

Return to AC/DC:

In 2020, after undergoing innovative medical treatments that helped restore his hearing, Brian Johnson rejoined AC/DC for the recording of their album "Power Up." The album, released in November 2020, was a tribute to Malcolm Young, who had passed away in 2017. Johnson's return was met with great excitement from fans, and the album was both a commercial success and a critical favourite.