The Lives of Brian

A Memoir

By: Brian Johnson

Narrated by: Brian Johnson

One of SPIN'S Best Music Memoirs of 2022!

Brian Johnson’s memoir from growing up in a small town to starting his own band to ultimately replacing Bon Scott, the lead singer of one of the world biggest rock acts, AC/DC. They would record their first album together, the iconic Back in Black, which would become the biggest selling rock album of all time.

Brian Johnson was born to a steelworker and WWII veteran father and an Italian mother, growing up in New Castle Upon Tyne, England, a working-class town. He was musically inclined and sang with the church choir. By the early ’70s he performed with the glam rock band Geordie, and they had a couple hits, but it was tough going. So tough that by 1976, they disbanded and Brian turned to a blue-collar life.

Then 1980 changed everything. Bon Scott, the lead singer and lyricist of the Australian rock band AC/DC died at 33. The band auditioned singers, among them Johnson, whom Scott himself had seen perform and raved about. Within days, Johnson was in a studio with the band, working with founding members Angus and Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd, along with producer Mutt Lange.

When the album, Back in Black, was released in July—a mere three months after Johnson had joined the band—it exploded, going on to sell 50 million copies worldwide, and triggering a years-long worldwide tour. It has been declared “the biggest selling hard rock album ever made” and “the best-selling heavy-metal album in history.”

The band toured the world for a full year to support the album, changing the face of rock music—and Brian Johnson’s life—forever.

©2021 Brian Johnson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

So enjoyable!

What a joy to listen to! Brian laughing at his own stories via the narration was such a lovable treat. An amazing recount of his life leading up to AC/DC. Wished it could have gone on another 9 hours to talk about his life with the band after he joined. Wonderfully written though, love, love, loved it!

Love it!

He’s a great storyteller
It’s an amazing story of perseverance. The longevity of the band, and what they’ve individually had to endure over the years is amazing.

incredible true story of the lead singer of AC/DC

If you are even a casual fan of AC/DC this is an absolute must. Brian Johnson tells the story of his amazing journey to become the lead singer of, in my opinion, the most amazing rock band in history. As a fan I especially loved that he narrated his own book. Cheers to you Mr Johnson.

Very amusing

Brain is such a nice guy and so honest about his experiences. Very amusing to listen to.

Fantastic!

Not just for AC/DC fans! Brian is an excellent narrator, and his life story is riveting on its own.

Entertaining!!!!

OMG!!! What an awesome book!!! Brian Johnson is one funny man!! I don’t think it would have been as good if someone else read it!! I recommend this to all AC/DC fans!!!!!

Thoroughly Enjoyed!

This book is easily my favorite book on Audible! Brian does an INCREDIBLE job of reading his own words. It is funny, sad, and everything in between. If you are an AC/DC fan, you know how protective they are about their privacy and about how well they protect their brand. Brian does not go very deep into the AC/DC catalog, just into his first album, Back in Black. However, it’s a great story from a very humble man and his humble beginnings. His story telling ability makes this book very hard to put down and wish it would continue far into his life and career just to have him keep reading and and telling his tale in his own voice and style. I hope Brian gets a chance to read some of his reviews and reads this. By that I mean I hope you write another book soon and continue to make more memories and tell us all about them. By the way, I’ve seen AC/DC play many times in LA CA!
Thank you Brian!

Loved hearing Brian read it

I’ve been an AC/DC fan for all of my life. I’ve seen them many times over the last 40 years. I never saw Brian on stage or on video looking anything but thrilled to be doing what he does. Brian, anytime I need a boost or my adrenaline to start pumping I listen to your music and it never fails to do the job. hank you, I loved hearing your story and I was thrilled that you were the one who narrated it.

Amazing man…. Amazing career

Did not think this would dwell so much on the early years. Thought it would cover the madness of being on tour with one of the world’s greatest bands. Aside from a couple of short stories and asides, it was not. It surprised and clarified that stereotypes about global rock stars are just that. The men and women of AC/DC (mothers, wives, roadies, support staff, admin, etc.) are the world’s best. Just like the band, it is their attention to detail and love of what they do that shines through and is obvious when reading this recount of history. Whether Brían was just lucky or created his own luck to be asked to audition, the dues he paid from the time he was born until that fateful day (and then the ensuing days of Back in Black’s creation) are a testament to his repeated message, “…don’t ever give up” [on your dreams]. Words to live by, and certainly ones that I am grateful to be reminded of.

Exceptional autobiography

should be made into a movie or series featuring whole band. well told and well read, included lots of relevant and interesting stories. enjoyed how he included how some of the hit songs materialized/were written. almost feels like part 2 is needed, definitely among the best music autobiographies ever written. every bit worth a listen, thanks for sharing Brian!