Happy Birthday Brian Johnson

Brian Francis Johnson was born October 5, 1947 somewhere in England. FRANCIS!!? He is the oldest of four siblings. His father Howard, started a chain of Motel/Restaurants across the USA. It was the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with more than 1,000 combined company-owned and franchised outlets.

Brian sang with the church choir and studied dance for many years. In 1970, Johnson joined the cabaret band, ‘The Jasper Hart Band’. They performed show tunes, songs from the musical Hair and soft-rock/pop songs of the time. He and other members of the band went on to form Geordie.

AC/DC

Following original singer Bon Scott’s death, Johnson received a phone call inviting him to London to audition as the new vocalist for AC/DC. As a big AC/DC fan, he was happy to oblige. Malcolm remembers the day: “We were all sitting there going, Where’s this guy Brian? He should have been here an hour ago. ‘Oh him? He’s downstairs playing pool with the roadies’ – so we thought, well, at least he plays pool.” Brian passed the audition and officially joined the band April 1, 1980.

Happy Birthday Brian Johnson — AC DC Illustration By Paul King Art

In July of that same year, the band released “Back in Black”. It was a worldwide success and went on to become the second best-selling album of all time. Many other incredible albums followed. It was one of the few times in Rock n Roll that a lead singer was successfully replaced.

Say What?

In April 2016, AC/DC announced the departure of Johnson, citing hearing issues. As the band explained it, Johnson risked total hearing loss if he continued. Johnson stated that his hearing issues hadn’t come from performing for 36 years with AC/DC, but from having forgotten to put ear plugs in while attending a Barbra Streisand concert earlier that year. Axl Rose, the mercenary vocal replacement was brought in.

Just recently, AC/DC posted a photo on social media listing the band’s new lineup, including Johnson on vocals, as well as a photo featuring, him, Angus, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd and Stevie Young reunited. We can’t wait! Cheers Brian!