A rocking ride through the predominantly pre-AC/DC years and the highs and lows of the man who dreamed of rock stardom – and achieved it, spectacularly.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
AC/DC fans, no matter their age, know the driving forces behind the band’s success. From the band’s foundation, the Young Brothers (Malcolm & Angus), to the differing yet quintessential front men Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, a lot has been written about AC/DC – most recently by music biographer, Jeff Apter, as well as others.
For the first time, a core and current member of AC/DC tells his own tale, but with very little content relating to the band behind the second biggest-selling album of all time, Back in Black. Though, it is this album that forms the core elements of inclusion in the book.
The Lives of Brian is the tale of a young Geordie (a Tyneside lad) growing up in post-WW2 England, with a returned serviceman father and Italian mother — something which his father’s extended family were loath to accept, during the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll.
Johnson chronicles his life choices, both personal and professional. After pursuing the tried-and-true options of factory work, Johnson formed his own business in the automotive industry. In him was born the desire to be a band front man, which he would do twice with bands of a very similar name. He also chronicles the chance encounters with the man from whom he would take the reins as AC/DC’s front man, and with an internationally recognised rock legend, who would tell him to never give up.
He reflects, openly and honestly, on the impact his life choices had on his loved ones, particularly his first wife and their daughters, but also former bandmates and friends. He makes clear his determination to make sure that his success would benefit not only himself, but those who had supported him through thick and thin.
The Lives of Brian is bookended by the most recent health issue that impacted Brian’s future with the band; his hearing issues came at a time when the core of AC/DC was shattered by the far more extreme health issues of Malcom Young.
The climax, after a roller-coaster finale focussing on Back in Black, hints at a potential second volume, with a greater AC/DC focus. If (or, more hopefully, when) such a volume comes to fruition, it is sure to take its place alongside the extensive catalogue of existing volumes.
For now, stage-dive into this memoir of the early years of a man who is most definitely a very naughty and extremely talented boy.
Reviewed by Glen Christie
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: October 2022
RRP: $35.00
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