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The Lives of Brian

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The Lives of Brian

By: Brian Johnson
Narrated by: Brian Johnson
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

'It wasn't me. I didn't do it. And I'll never do it again!' says Brian Johnson of The Lives of Brian. That AC/DC's legendary front man got to do it all is one of the most cheering and entertaining stories in rock 'n' roll history.

The son of a British army sergeant-major and Italian mother, Brian grew up in Dunston, Tyne and Wear, as it emerged from the shadow of the Second World War. Then he saw Little Richard on the BBC and it changed the course of his life.

The choirboy and cub scout was going to be singer.

For over a decade he tried to make his mark with a succession of bands. He appeared on to Top of the Pops, toured Australia and yet the big time looked out of reach. Then he was invited to London for an audition for one of the world's biggest rock acts. AC/DC were a band in crisis following the tragic death of their lead singer, Bon Scott, but with Brian on board they would record their masterpiece: Back in Black. It became the biggest selling rock album of all time. The tour that followed played to packed out arenas. Quickly embraced by the band's fans, the new boy had earned his spurs. But there was to be a twist in the tale. In 2016, Brian was forced to quit the band after being diagnosed with hearing loss, only to make a triumphant return to the band he loved with the release of 2020's smash hit album Power Up.

It's been a rollercoaster of a life, throughout which Brian's kept his feet firmly on the ground, never losing touch with his roots.

Warm, vivid, evocative, life-affirming and often laugh-out-loud funny, The Lives of Brian tells the story of one of our most well-loved performers in his own inimitable words.

©2022 Brian Johnson (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Funny Thought-Provoking Witty
All stars
Most relevant
This is one of those books that, less than ten minutes in, I knew I'd be giving the full 5 stars to. I only hope we get a volume two at some point covering more of the AC/DC years!

5 stars right from the start

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Brian Johnson narrates his story, speaking from the heart like he’s sat with you in a pub telling you about his life. It had me laughing at stages then crying real tears. In a world which can be very surface level, this book is the wholesome content you need to bring back faith in humanity. The man couldn’t be more humble considering he is arguably one of rocks greatest voices in history. Even if you’re not a die hard AC/DC fan, it will be one of the best things you listen to this year.

Humble, heartwarming and wholesome

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The Lives of Brian by Brian Johnson. "He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy," but he is ultimately a very charming one at that. The charisma of AC⚡DC's 2nd frontman shines through in every page of this book. Hilarious for a bloke from Jordieland. 📚5/5🌟 #BookReview

Follow me on Twitter @zennyreadsalot for more high voltage tweets

This book will leave you thunderstruck...

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This book is great and read by Brian is a treat to listen to - Most Excellent

Most excellent -

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Brian, your story and story telling were absolutely amazeballs you can tell you loved it.

Nine Lives - Cats Eyes

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