AC/DC’s Brian Johnson reveals in memoir he ‘wouldn’t have minded’ dying at 180 mph
The rock icon, who has a BMI score of 815, has been touring with his band the Wagon Masters since July 2017
When Brian Johnson began playing bass guitar at the age of 16 he knew it would be his lifelong calling, but he was never prepared for just how big an influence he would be on the world of music.
He was a rock ‘n’ roll legend and his distinctive bass tone was the envy of every guitarist.
His influence still lingers not just on music, but also on the wider cultural landscape.
We talk to Johnson about the many life lessons learned from one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
The rock icon, who has a BMI score of 815, has been touring with his band the Wagon Masters since July 2017.
He was one of the most prolific session bassists in rock’s rich history.
In between playing for iconic artists like Brian May and Rick Danko, he’s played on countless other albums at Abbey Road Studios, including Pink Floyd’s Abraxas.
He’s also made a name for himself as a songwriter, penning over 300 songs.
But, despite being a musician, Johnson says he is most proud of how his voice has touched the lives of children.
This was evident during his appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show on TV – where he was diagnosed with throat cancer and was forced to cancel his tour.
‘I wouldn’t have minded dying at 180mph,’ says Johnson in his new book, Brian Johnson: The Life.
Read on in his own words to hear how the rock icon from Liverpool was inspired by Brian May to become a touring musician.
Ellen: Brian Johnson: The Life
Ellen: I’ve read this before, but just to refresh my memory, how old are you now?
Brian Johnson: I’m 71, nearly 72. I’m from Liverpool originally, but I grew up in the Isle of Wight. When I was six we moved to London.
I played in a local brass band when I was 14 and one of my first jobs was as a roadie for an American act touring England.
Ellen: What band was that?
Brian