View source for Brian Johnson

{{short description|English singer (born 1947)}}
{{About|the English singer|other people named Brian Johnson |Brian Johnson (disambiguation)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Brian Johnson
| image           = Jaguar's 'Perfect Ten' - Most important and iconic Jaguar cars (-2022464677).jpg
| caption         = Johnson in 2014
| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1947|10|5}}
| birth_place     = [[Dunston, Tyne and Wear|Dunston]], County Durham,<!--Do not change to Tyne & Wear – Dunston was in Co Durham at the time Johnson was born --> England
| death_date      =
| genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[rock and roll]]
* {{nowrap|[[blues rock]]}}
* [[glam rock]]
}}
| occupation      = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* songwriter
}}
| years_active    = {{flatlist|
* 1962–present
}}
| current_member_of = [[AC/DC]]
| past_member_of = [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]]
| website         = {{URL|brianjohnsonracing.com}}
}}

'''Brian Johnson''' (born 5 October 1947) is an English singer and songwriter. In 1980 at the age of 32, after the death of [[Bon Scott]], he became the third lead singer of the Australian rock band [[AC/DC]]. 

Johnson was one of the founding members of the rock band [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]], which was formed in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] in 1971. After several hit singles, including the UK Top 10 hit "All Because of You" (1973), the band split in 1978. Following the death of Bon Scott on 19 February 1980, Johnson was asked to audition for AC/DC, whose guitarists and founders Angus and Malcolm Young remembered when Scott had been impressed with Johnson as Geordie's frontman. Johnson's first album with AC/DC, ''[[Back in Black]]'', became [[List of best-selling albums|the second-best-selling album of all time]], according to most estimates. ''[[The Guardian]]'' ranked the successful transition to Johnson at No. 36 on their list of 50 key events in rock-music history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hann|first1=Michael|title=AC/DC recruits Brian Johnson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/12/ac-dc-brian-johnson|agency=The Guardian|date=12 June 2011|access-date=17 December 2017}}</ref>

Johnson and the rest of the band were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2003. In March 2016, he temporarily left the band during the [[Rock or Bust World Tour]] because of hearing problems. In September 2020, AC/DC confirmed that Johnson, along with bandmates [[Phil Rudd]] and [[Cliff Williams]], had rejoined the group in August 2018 to record the album ''[[Power Up (album)|Power Up]]''.

Johnson is known for his distinctive singing voice and strong [[Geordie]] accent.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ac/Dc's Brian Johnson To Receive Honorary Doctorate From U.K.'S Northumbria University|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/acdcs-brian-johnson-to-receive-honorary-doctorate-from-u-k-s-northumbria-university/|publisher=Blabbermouth|date=12 December 2016}}</ref> In July 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Music by [[Northumbria University]] in Newcastle in recognition of his significant contribution to the music industry.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brian Johnson speaks of his pride at hometown honour pride|url=http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/news-opinion/brian-johnson-speaks-pride-hometown-7411569|publisher=The Journal|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613165917/http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/news-opinion/brian-johnson-speaks-pride-hometown-7411569|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Early life==
Johnson was born on 5 October 1947 in [[Dunston, Tyne and Wear|Dunston]], County Durham.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hQ4mEAAAQBAJ&q=Brian+Johnson+DUNSTON |title=The Lives of Brian |last=Johnson |first=Bryan |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=978-1405-9456-08 |date= 13 October 2022|access-date=22 April 2024}}</ref> He is the oldest of four siblings. His English father, Alan, was a coal miner and [[sergeant major]] in the [[British Army]]'s [[Durham Light Infantry]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10771266/Brian-Johnson-cars-give-me-the-same-thrill-as-music.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417152952/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10771266/Brian-Johnson-cars-give-me-the-same-thrill-as-music.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2014 |title=Video: Brian Johnson: 'cars give me the same thrill as music' |publisher=Telegraph |access-date=13 February 2016}}</ref> who died in 1996. His Italian mother, Esther (''née'' De Luca), was from [[Frascati]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Il cantante degli AC/DC: "Mia madre era dei Castelli. Forza, io sono con voi"|work=Corriere.it|url=https://video.corriere.it/cantante-acdc-mia-madre-era-castelli-forza-io-sono-voi/9557edc6-945b-11ea-9026-0ed4807e0a45}}</ref> When he was young, Johnson performed in various shows with the [[The Scout Association|Scouts]], appeared in a play which aired on television, and joined a local church choir.<ref name="acdc.cc">{{cite web|title=Johnson biodata|work=Bedlam in Belgium|access-date=21 December 2006|url=http://www.ac-dc.cc/10th_anniversary/10th_anniversary_06.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215103924/http://www.ac-dc.cc/10th_anniversary/10th_anniversary_06.html|archive-date=15 December 2006}}</ref> He served in the [[Army Reserve (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] with the [[17th Parachute Battalion (United Kingdom)|17th Parachute Battalion]] in Germany for two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/189-ac-dcs-brian-johnson/id1457552694?i=1000492056632|title=We Have Ways of Making You Talk: 189. AC/DC's Brian Johnson on Apple Podcasts|website=Podcasts.apple.com|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll|last1=Engleheart|first1=Murray|last2=Durieux|first2=Arnaud|publisher=Harper Entertainment|year=2008|isbn=978-0-06-113391-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/acdcmaximumrockr00murr/page/310 310]|url=https://archive.org/details/acdcmaximumrockr00murr/page/310}}</ref>

==Career==
===Early career===
Johnson's first band was the Gobi Desert Canoe Club.<ref>''Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography'', p. 7.</ref> He was also in a band called Fresh.<ref>''Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography'' pg. 107</ref> From 1970, Johnson played with cabaret/club band the Jasper Hart Band,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jasperhartband.co.uk/index.html|title=A History of The Jasper Hart Band|access-date=1 August 2009}}</ref> performing songs from the musical ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'' as well as soft-rock/pop songs of the time. He and other members of the band formed [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]].{{fact|date=October 2024}}

Johnson released his first and only solo single, "I Can't Forget You Now", as a member of Geordie in January 1976 on the Red Bus label. In 1982, a compilation including ten of Geordie's 1973–1976 songs, was issued as Brian Johnson's solo album ''Strange Man'' on the [[MCA Records|MCA]] label. The U.S. 1989 CD ''Keep On Rocking'', with re-recorded versions of the band's twelve known songs, was released under the name of Brian Johnson and Geordie as well as the Australian 1991 compilation CD ''Rockin' With The Boys 1972–1976''.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

===AC/DC===
[[File:Brian_Johnson_-_Manchester_Apollo_-_1982.jpg|thumb|Johnson performing with AC/DC at the [[Manchester Apollo]] in 1982]]
Following [[Bon Scott|Bon Scott's]] death, the remaining members of the band briefly considered quitting, before concluding that Scott would have wanted AC/DC to continue. Various candidates were considered for his successor, including ex-[[Back Street Crawler (band)|Back Street Crawler]] vocalist [[Terry Slesser]] and [[Slade]]'s [[Noddy Holder]], who declined, before selecting Johnson.<ref>''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' magazine, June 2009, p.41</ref> AC/DC guitarist and co-founder [[Angus Young]] later recalled, "I remember the first time I had ever heard Brian's (Johnson) name was from Bon".<ref name="hell_aint"/>

Bon had mentioned that he had been in England once touring with a band and he had mentioned that Brian had been in a band called Geordie and Bon had said 'Brian Johnson, he was a great rock and roll singer in the style of Little Richard.' And that was Bon's big idol, Little Richard. I think when he saw Brian at that time, to Bon it was 'Well he's a guy that knows what rock and roll is all about.' He mentioned that to us in Australia. I suppose when we decided to continue, Brian was the first name that [[Malcolm Young|Malcolm]] and myself came up with, so we said we should see if we can find him."<ref name="hell_aint">{{cite book|first=Mick |last=Wall |title=AC/DC: Hell Aint a Bad Place to Be |publisher=Orion Publishing group |location=London |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-4091-1535-9}}</ref> 

The band agreed immediately that Johnson's performing style fit AC/DC's music. In March 1980 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."<ref name="hell_aint"/>

When someone fetched him to meet them, Malcolm recalls that Johnson, "had tears in his eyes. He was as sad about Bon as we were. Anyway, we said, Do you want to give it a go? And he said, 'I do "[[Whole Lotta Rosie]]" with Geordie,' and off he went. We went, this guy is cutting the mustard. Anything else you know? "[[Nutbush City Limits]]"? OK, we can knock that out, and he sang that great too. It put a little smile on our faces – for the first time since Bon. So we just started working with him then."<ref name="hell_aint"/>

Within days, Johnson was in the band, the news being made official on 1 April. A week after that he was sent a plane ticket to the [[Bahamas]], their management's idea, partly for tax purposes and partly because there were no vacant studios in the UK,{{sfn|Engleheart|Durieux|2008|p=324}} where he joined the Youngs, bassist [[Cliff Williams]], drummer [[Phil Rudd]] and ''[[Highway to Hell]]'' producer [[Robert John "Mutt" Lange|Mutt Lange]] in [[Compass Point Studios]].<ref name="hell_aint"/>

The result was the album ''[[Back in Black]]'', which was released in July that year. It was a worldwide success and went on to become the second-best-selling album of all time. In 1986, Johnson returned to Tyneside and appeared in the music video for "[[You Shook Me All Night Long]]", and the video received significant airplay on MTV.<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/song/you-shook-me-all-night-long-t1933119 You Shook Me All Night Long], ''[[Allmusic]]''</ref>

[[File:ACDC - Hells Bells.JPG|thumb|Johnson hangs on to a bell while performing the song "[[Hells Bells (song)|Hells Bells]]"]]
The 1988 album ''[[Blow Up Your Video]]'' was the last AC/DC album to feature lyrics from Johnson. Starting with ''[[The Razors Edge (AC/DC album)|The Razors Edge]]'' in 1990, guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young have written all of AC/DC's material. When asked by a fan during a radio interview why he stopped contributing lyrics, he laughed, "I ran out of words" and went on to explain that during recording he did not always enjoy the pressure of having to come up with an album's worth of lyrics and was relieved when the Young brothers filled in during ''The Razors Edge''. The band has since continued in that tradition for every album since.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

A symbol of the working class in the north of England, Johnson customarily wears a [[newsboy cap]] on stage and frequently off.<ref>[[Anthony Bozza]] (2009). ''Why AC/DC Matters''. p.54. HarperCollins, Retrieved 30 November 2011</ref><ref>Katie Wales (2006). ''Northern English: a cultural and social history''. p.26. Cambridge University Press, 2006</ref> Johnson has occasionally worn [[baseball cap]]s as well. His brother suggested that the singer wear the cap onstage to prevent sweat rolling off his thick, curly hair into his eyes while singing. "He said, 'Put it on, at least you'll be able to see what the bloody freak you're doing!' So I put it on and after three songs in the second set, I looked at him, put my thumbs up – 'This is brilliant!' He never did get that hat back."<ref>{{cite web| title = AC/DC Lead Singer Brian Johnson – Black Ice and U.S. Soldiers – Celebrity Drive – Motor Trend | url = http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0810_acdc_singer_brian_johnson_celeb_drive/black_ice_us_soldiers.html | work=[[Motor Trend]] | access-date =10 April 2010 }}</ref>

On April 19, 2010, the ''[[Iron Man 2 (soundtrack)]]'' compilation album was released featuring songs sung by Brian and '''Bon Scott''' just like the ''[[Who Made Who]]'' album released in 1986.

[[File:Brian Johnson with ACDC Tacoma WA Feb 2 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|Johnson performing with AC/DC in [[Tacoma, Washington]] (2 February 2016)]]
In April 2016, during the [[Rock or Bust World Tour]], 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 during a race that left him with a punctured left [[ear drum]]. [[Guns N' Roses]] singer [[Axl Rose]] was recruited to complete the remaining ten shows in North America and twelve shows in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-confirm-axl-rose-is-new-lead-singer-joining-band-on-tour-20160416|title=AC/DC Confirm Axl Rose Is New Lead Singer, Joining Band on Tour|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=16 April 2016|work=RollingStone.com|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417151941/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ac-dc-confirm-axl-rose-is-new-lead-singer-joining-band-on-tour-20160416|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

Johnson's last show with AC/DC was on 28 February 2016, at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-johnson-last-acdc-show/|title=Revisiting Brian Johnson's Last AC/DC Show|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=19 April 2016 |access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref>  He stated in an interview that he "had a pretty good run" in AC/DC and implied that he might not be returning.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/sidelined-acdc-singer-brian-johnson-ive-had-a-pretty-good-run-with-one-of-the-best-bands-in-the-world/| title = Sidelined AC/DC Singer BRIAN JOHNSON: 'I've Had A Pretty Good Run' With 'One Of The Best Bands In The World'| date = 20 May 2016| publisher = [[Blabbermouth]] }}</ref> After departing [[AC/DC]], he recorded a new song with comedian [[Jim Breuer]] called "Mr. Rock 'n' Roll". Johnson made a cameo appearance with rock band [[Muse (band)|Muse]] on 31 August 2017, performing a rendition of "Back in Black" with the group.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/acdcs-brian-johnson-returns-to-stage-in-surprise-muse-cameo-w499884|title=AC/DC's Brian Johnson Returns to Stage in Surprise Muse Cameo|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216083747/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/acdcs-brian-johnson-returns-to-stage-in-surprise-muse-cameo-w499884|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In August 2018, rumours began circulating that Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd had rejoined AC/DC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/brian-johnson-and-phil-rudd-look-like-they're-back-in-studio-with-ac-dc/|title=Brian Johnson And Phil Rudd Look Like They're Back In Studio With AC/DC |website=[[Kerrang!]]|language=en-US|access-date=14 August 2018}}</ref> According to members of the band [[Terrorizer]], in January 2019 Johnson confirmed to them that he was back in AC/DC after getting "sick of denying it" and that he was working on a new album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/brian-johnson-reportedly-confirms-new-ac-dc-album-2440513/|title=Brian Johnson confirms he's back in AC/DC and he's working on a new album - NME |website=NME!|date=30 January 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=30 January 2019}}</ref>

On 30 September 2020, AC/DC posted a photo on social media listing the band's new line-up, including Johnson on vocals, as well as a photo featuring, him, Angus, Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd and [[Stevie Young]] reunited.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ac-dc-confirm-comeback-and-return-of-brian-johnson-phil-rudd-cliff-williams-2765684|title=AC/DC confirm comeback and return of Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams|last=Moore|publisher=NME|date=30 September 2020|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, AC/DC released a new album, ''[[Power Up (album)|Power Up]]'', with Johnson on vocals.<ref name="P. U. Album">{{cite web |title=AC/DC - POWER UP |url=https://www.sound-knowledge.co.uk/collections/rock-pop-indie/products/ac-dc-power-up?variant=39539656818874 |website=Sound Knowledge |access-date=13 April 2024}}</ref>

On 7 October 2023, Johnson made a return to the stage with AC/DC at the [[Power Trip (music festival)|Power Trip]] festival, the bands first show since 2016, when they completed the [[Rock or Bust World Tour]] with [[Axl Rose]] filling in for Johnson. He is currently touring with the band on their [[Power Up Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2023/10/08/acdc-brought-the-energy-power-trip-in-first-show-in-seven-years/71109277007/|title=Power Trip 2023: AC/DC rocks festival with first live show in seven years|first=Andrew|last=John|website=The Desert Sun}}</ref>

===''Helen of Troy'' musical===
Since April 2003, Johnson, who says "I love musical theatre, especially the classic stuff, like [[Rodgers and Hammerstein]]",<ref>{{cite web|title=Bruce Vilanch Added to Cast of Helen of Troy Musical Reading|work=[[Playbill]]|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/93449.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907195110/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/93449.html|archive-date=7 September 2008}}</ref> has been working on a musical version of ''Helen of Troy'' with [[Sarasota Ballet]] choreographer, [[Robert de Warren]]. The musical is a ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]''-style musical with rousing anthems, tender ballads and minimal dialogue. He conceived the project with writers [[Ian La Frenais]], [[Dick Clement]], and [[Brendan Healy (comic)|Brendan Healy]]<ref name="gb">{{cite web |title=Interview:Brendan Healy |url=http://www.gigglebeats.co.uk/2012/10/interview-brendan-healy/ |work=Giggle Beats |first=John-Paul |last=Stephenson |date=13 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> after seeing [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]'s musical ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' and being underwhelmed at what he saw.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

[[Malcolm McDowell]], who made his recording debut singing one of the songs for the soundtrack in Brian's studio, agreed to play [[Zeus]]. [[The Cranberries]] singer [[Dolores O'Riordan]] and [[Bruce Vilanch]] were also set to participate.<ref>''Classic Rock'' magazine, October 2003</ref> In 2004, Johnson travelled to Greece to film an episode of the television series ''Goddess Odyssey'' in which he researched the [[Helen of Troy]] myth. It was released on DVD in July 2005 and contains music from the theatre production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdchelenoftroy.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201003243/http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdchelenoftroy.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 February 2003|title=Helen of Troy – Brian Johnson Ballet|work=Crabsody in Blue|access-date=24 March 2010}}</ref> [[Phil Carson]], former chief executive of [[Atlantic Records]], supported the project but it was never staged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/feature/184155-the-youngs-the-brothers-who-built-ac-dc-riff-raff/ |title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC: Riff Raff |publisher=[[PopMatters]] |access-date=13 February 2016}}</ref>

===Other activities===
A car and racing enthusiast, Johnson currently enjoys racing his vintage race cars: a [[Royale Racing|Royale]] RP-4 and a [[Pilbeam Racing Designs|Pilbeam]] MP84, which he races in vintage and historic races throughout the United States. In 1997, Johnson recorded with the band [[Jackyl]] on their song "Locked and Loaded", and in 2002, wrote lyrics on the track "Kill the Sunshine" from their album ''[[Relentless (Jackyl album)|Relentless]]''. In the video game ''[[Call of Duty: Finest Hour]]'', he voiced Sergeant Bob Starkey. He based his performance on his father.<ref>{{cite web |title=AC/DC 's BRIAN JOHNSON Reflects On Voicing Character In 2004 Video Game 'Call Of Duty: Finest Hour': 'It Was Fun' |date=2 December 2022 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ac-dcs-brian-johnson-reflects-on-voicing-character-in-2004-video-game-call-of-duty-finest-hour-it-was-fun}}</ref> He made a cameo appearance in the 2005 film ''[[Goal! (film)|Goal!]]''<ref name=goal/> where he appears as a [[Newcastle United]] fan in a bar in California watching a Newcastle game.<ref name=goal>{{cite web | url =https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/national/18363719.sporting-film-day---goal | title =Sporting film of the day – Goal! | last = Press Association | date = 7 April 2020| website =glasgowtimes.co.uk | publisher = Evening Glasgow Times }}</ref>

In 2006, he took part in car racing reality television series ''[[The Race (TV series)|The Race]]'', broadcast on [[Sky One]] in the UK. In 2007, Johnson and AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams took part in the Classic Rock Cares tour to raise funds for the [[John Entwistle]] Foundation, which is run by Entwistle's long-time friend and drummer [[Steve Luongo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdcclassicrockcares.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703055458/http://www.crabsodyinblue.com/acdcclassicrockcares.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2007|title=Classic Rock Cares|work=Crabsody in Blue|access-date=24 March 2010}}</ref> They performed AC/DC songs as well as songs written by Johnson for the film ''[[National Lampoon's Totally Baked: A Potumentary|Totally Baked]]''.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

On 26 July 2009, Johnson appeared as the [[Top Gear Test Track#Chevrolet Lacetti|Star in a Reasonably Priced Car]] on the [[BBC]]'s ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]''. His time of 1:45.9 tied him with ''[[Britain's Got Talent]]'' judge [[Simon Cowell]] and ''[[Grand Designs]]'' host [[Kevin McCloud]] for the second-fastest time in the [[Chevrolet Lacetti]], just 0.1 seconds behind [[Jay Kay]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Celebrity Laps: Top Gear|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fQGSn1m2dsG43rQpPLmrT0/celebrity-laps|publisher=BBC|date=14 September 2015}}</ref> Johnson subsequently appeared in the premiere of ''Top Gear'' series 20 and was the first star to record a time in their new [[Vauxhall Astra]] test vehicle, recording a time of 1:45.1. In April 2015, Johnson stated it was a mistake for the BBC to sack [[Jeremy Clarkson]] after the ''Top Gear'' presenter punched a colleague: "I know Jeremy and I know the lads [Richard Hammond and James May] and it's [the punch] just totally out of character."<ref>{{cite news|title=Brian Johnson: 'I think they made a mistake about Jeremy Clarkson'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11539723/Brian-Johnson-I-think-they-made-a-mistake-about-Jeremy-Clarkson.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11539723/Brian-Johnson-I-think-they-made-a-mistake-about-Jeremy-Clarkson.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|publisher=The Telegraph|date=13 September 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

His autobiography ''Rockers and Rollers'' was published in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acdc.com/us/news/rockers-and-rollers-brian-johnson|title=Rockers And Rollers By Brian Johnson! &#124; News &#124; The Official AC/DC Site|publisher=Acdc.com|date=28 February 2000|access-date=2 January 2012|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182650/http://www.acdc.com/us/news/rockers-and-rollers-brian-johnson|url-status=dead}}</ref> He raced in the 2012 [[24 Hours of Daytona|Rolex 24 at Daytona]] on 29 and 30 January 2012. He finished 12th in the [[Daytona Prototype]] class,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://racing-reference.info/race/2012_Rolex_24_at_Daytona/GA|title=2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona results from Racing Reference|website=Racing-reference.info|date=29 January 2012|access-date=3 February 2012}}</ref> driving for 50+Predator/Alegra Racing, sharing the #50 [[Riley Motor|RileyTech]]/[[BMW]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportscarchampionship.imsa.com/sites/default/files/2012_rolex_rolex24atdaytona_officialresults_1.pdf|title=Rolex Sports Car Series : Official Race Results|website=Sportscarchampionship.imsa.com|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917075700/https://sportscarchampionship.imsa.com/sites/default/files/2012_rolex_rolex24atdaytona_officialresults_1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Daytona Prototype with [[Elliott Forbes-Robinson]], Byron DeFoor, [[Jim Pace (racing driver)|Jim Pace]], and Carlos de Quesada. He competed in the 2012 [[Silverstone Classic]] Celebrity Challenge race. In 2013, Johnson appeared as a guest singer on two songs on [[Sting (musician)|Sting]]'s album ''[[The Last Ship (album)|The Last Ship]]'' which features artists with roots in the northeast of England.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sting to release first new original album in 10 years, 'The Last Ship'|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/sting-readies-new-album-musical-article-1.1364303|date=5 June 2013|newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>

In May 2014, [[Quest (TV channel)|Quest]] broadcast ''Cars That Rock with Brian Johnson'', a documentary series fronted by Johnson where he explores his favourite iconic motor cars.  The first episode looks at the history of the [[Mini]], with Johnson driving a big selection of the cars, including the car from the 1969 British caper film ''[[The Italian Job]]'' and the world's fastest Mini. It concludes with Johnson racing a [[Mini Cooper]] at [[Brands Hatch]], and finishes with him stating he has bought the car he raced. As of 2016, the show can now be seen on the [[Velocity (TV network)|Velocity]] channel.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

In April 2017, [[Sky Arts]] broadcast the first episode of ''Brian Johnson: A Life on the Road''. Series 1 comprised six episodes, with Johnson meeting contemporaries in the music industry to talk about their musical upbringings and careers. Featured were [[Roger Daltrey]] ([[The Who]]), [[Lars Ulrich]] ([[Metallica]]), [[Nick Mason]] ([[Pink Floyd]]), Sting ([[The Police]]), [[Joe Elliott]] ([[Def Leppard]]), and [[Robert Plant]] ([[Led Zeppelin]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sky.com/watch/title/series/ac2f31b1-53b4-4b77-b011-22b2f63744e0|title=Brian Johnson's A Life On The Road|website=Sky.com|access-date=13 January 2018}}</ref> Series 2 was released in 2019 featuring [[Dolly Parton]], [[Billy Joel]], [[Mark Knopfler]] ([[Dire Straits]]), [[Mick Fleetwood]] ([[Fleetwood Mac]]), [[Joe Walsh]] ([[James Gang]], [[The Eagles]]), and [[Paul Rodgers]] ([[Free (band)|Free]], [[Bad Company]]).

On 3 September 2022, Johnson took to the stage at the [[Taylor Hawkins]] Tribute Concert and performed "Back in Black" and "Let There Be Rock" with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and the [[Foo Fighters]]. Johnson's memoirs, entitled ''The Lives of Brian'', was published by HarperCollins and released on 25 October 2022.

==Personal life==
Johnson married his first wife, Carol, in 1968,<ref>''Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography'' pg. 100</ref> and they have two daughters.<ref>''Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography'', pp. 84, 106</ref> They divorced during the writing of ''The Razors Edge'' album. He is now married to Brenda,<ref>{{cite web |author=Jay Cridlin |url=https://www.tampabay.com/ron-white-talks-marriage-sobriety-friendship-with-acdcs-brian-johnson-and/2204235/ |title=Ron White talks marriage, sobriety, friendship with AC/DC's Brian Johnson |website=[[Tampabay.com]] |date=3 November 2014 |access-date=13 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063428/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/ron-white-talks-marriage-sobriety-friendship-with-acdcs-brian-johnson-and/2204235 |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> and lives in [[Sarasota, Florida]], US.<ref name="SPIN">{{cite web | url=https://www.spin.com/2011/05/home-acdcs-brian-johnson | title=At Home with AC/DC's Brian Johnson | work=[[Spin (magazine)|SPIN]] | date=23 May 2011 | access-date=24 September 2019 | author=SPIN Staff}}</ref>

He is an avid supporter of [[Newcastle United F.C.]] and was asked to invest in the club in the early 1980s after being invited to meet the board by club legend [[Jackie Milburn]].<ref>[http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/forget-ashley-acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-almost-bought-newcastle-3680601 "Forget Ashley! AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson almost bought Newcastle!"]. Tribal football. Retrieved 13 September 2015</ref>

In September 2009, Johnson was diagnosed with [[Barrett's esophagus|Barrett syndrome]],<ref name="lkl.">{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/acdcs-johnson-opens-up-about-cancer-scare_1130432|title=AC/DC's Johnson Opens Up About Cancer Scare|date=1 February 2010}}</ref> causing AC/DC to cancel several shows on their 2010 tour in support of ''Black Ice''. However, doctors were able to prevent the disease from developing into [[adenocarcinoma|cancer]].<ref name="lkl."/>

According to the ''[[The Sunday Times (UK)|Sunday Times]]'' [[Sunday Times Rich List|Rich List]] of British millionaires in music, Johnson was worth £65 million in 2016.<ref>{{cite web | last=O'Donoghue | first=Dan | title=Geordie stars Sting and Brian Johnson make it into Sunday Times Rich List | website=Chronicle Live | date=21 April 2016 | url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/geordie-stars-sting-brian-johnson-11217254 | access-date=24 July 2024}}</ref>

On 9 July 2014, Johnson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Music by [[Northumbria University]] in recognition of his significant contribution to the music industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/news/2014/07/acdc-rock-singer-becomes-doctor-of-music/ |title=AC/DC rock singer becomes Doctor of Music |publisher=Northumbria.ac.uk |date=9 July 2014 |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, he became a supporter of the Yorkshire Dementia Charity based in the village of [[Topcliffe, North Yorkshire|Topcliffe]].<ref>{{cite news|title=AC/DC's Brian Johnson becomes supporter of Yorkshire dementia charity|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/28/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-supporter-yorkshire-dementia-charity|work=The Guardian|date=13 September 2015}}</ref>

==Discography==
<big>'''With Geordie'''</big>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''Title'''
|'''Release date'''
|'''Label'''
|-
|''[[Hope You Like It]]''
|1973
|rowspan="4"|[[EMI]]
|-
|''[[Don't Be Fooled by the Name]]''
|1974
|-
|''[[Save the World (Geordie album)|Save the World]]''
|1976
|-
|''[[No Good Woman]]''
|1978
|}

<big>'''With AC/DC'''</big>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''Title'''
|'''Release date'''
|'''Label'''
|'''U.S. Album Sales'''
|"Worldwide sales"
|-
|''[[Back in Black]]''
|July 1980
|rowspan="6"|[[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
|27,000,000
|50,000,000
|-
|''[[For Those About to Rock We Salute You|For Those About to Rock]]''
|November 1981
|4,000,000
|7,000,000
|-
|''[[Flick of the Switch]]''
|September 1983
|1,000,000
|4,000,000
|-
|''[[Fly on the Wall (AC/DC album)|Fly on the Wall]]''
|June 1985
|1,000,000
|4,200,000
|-
|''[[Who Made Who]]''
|May 1986
|5,000,000
|10,000,000
|-
|''[[Blow Up Your Video]]''
|January 1988
|2,000,000
|4,000,000
|-
|''[[The Razors Edge (AC/DC album)|The Razors Edge]]''
|September 1990
|rowspan="2"|[[Atco Records|Atco]]
|5,000,000
|12,000,000
|-
|''[[Live (AC/DC album)|Live]]''
|October 1992
|5,000,000
|8,000,000
|-
|''[[Ballbreaker]]''
|September 1995
|rowspan="2"|[[Elektra Records|Elektra]]
|2,000,000
|6,000,000
|-
|''[[Stiff Upper Lip (album)|Stiff Upper Lip]]''
|February 2000
|1,000,000
|4,000,000
|-
|''[[Black Ice (album)|Black Ice]]''
|October 2008
|rowspan="3"|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
| 2,500,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londonnet.co.uk/music/news/ac-dc-black-ice |title=AC/DC add stadium dates to the Black Ice World Tour |access-date=16 January 2009 |publisher=LondonNet}}</ref>
|8,000,000
|-
|''[[Rock or Bust]]''
|November 2014
| 500,000<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6436399/nielsen-music-soundscan-2014-taylor-swift-republic-records-streaming?page=0%2C3 |title=Music in 2014: Taylor Takes the Year, Republic Records on Top, Streaming to the Rescue |last=Christman |first=Ed |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=9 January 2015 |access-date=10 January 2015}}</ref>
|2,800,000 
|-
|''[[Power Up (album)|Power Up]]''
|November 2020
|{{TBA}}
|1,400,000
|}

<big>'''Solo'''</big>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|'''Title'''
|'''Release date'''
|-
|''[[National Lampoon's Totally Baked: A Potumentary]]'' soundtrack
|April 2007
|}

== Motorsports career ==

===24 Hours of Daytona results===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|- style="background:#ABBBDD;"
! Year
! Team
! Co-drivers
! Car
! Class
! Laps
! {{Tooltip|Pos.|Overall Position}}
! {{Tooltip|Class<br>Pos.|Class Position}}
|-
! [[2012 24 Hours of Daytona|2012]]
| align="left" | {{flagicon|USA}} 50+ Predator<ref>{{Cite web|title=01/29/2012 race: Rolex 24 at Daytona (GA) - Racing-Reference.info|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race/2012_Rolex_24_at_Daytona/GA|access-date=19 March 2021|website=www.racing-reference.info}}</ref>
| align="left" | {{flagicon|USA}} Byron DeFoor<br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Elliott Forbes-Robinson]]<br>{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jim Pace (racing driver)|Jim Pace]]<br>{{flagicon|USA}} Carlos de Quesada
| align="left" | [[Riley Technologies|Riley]] Mk. XI
| DP
| 672
| 32nd
| 12th
|}

== Publications ==

* ''Rockers and Rollers: An Automotive Autobiography''. Simon & Schuster Australia. 2009. {{ISBN|9780731814381}}.
* ''The Lives of Brian: A Memoir''. Dey Street Books. 2022. {{ISBN|9780063046382}}.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.acdc.com/ ACDC.com official website]
* [https://chtbl.com/track/8G858/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/stuckinthe80s/stuckinthe80s090.mp3 Brian Johnson interview with Stuck in the '80s podcast]

{{AC/DC}}
{{Geordie}}
{{2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Brian}}
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:AC/DC members]]
[[Category:APRA Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:British Parachute Regiment soldiers]]
[[Category:British car collectors]]
[[Category:English autobiographers]]
[[Category:24 Hours of Daytona drivers]]
[[Category:English expatriates in Australia]]
[[Category:English expatriate musicians in the United States]]
[[Category:English people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:English male rock singers]]
[[Category:English blues rock musicians]]
[[Category:Hard rock singers]]
[[Category:Italian British musicians]]
[[Category:People of Lazian descent]]
[[Category:Musicians from Gateshead]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sarasota, Florida]]
[[Category:Rolex Sports Car Series drivers]]
[[Category:20th-century English male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century English male singers]]
[[Category:Glam rock musicians]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Tyne and Wear]]
[[Category:20th-century British Army personnel]]