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The Lives of Brian cover art

The Lives of Brian

By: Brian Johnson
Narrated by: Brian Johnson
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Summary

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

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The great Brian johnson

One of the best audio books out. A great listen, with lots of humour

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Shoot to Thrill

I am currently in a phase of listening to audio books written and narrated by some of my favourite Rock Gods. I have just finished "The Lives of Brian" and have to say this is my favourite so far. Such a pleasure listening to Brian describe in detail his early days and family life from childhood to father all leading up to his awakening of rock and roll and subsequent light bulb moment of realising what he wanted to devote his life to and the many moments and events that followed on his journey to AC/DC
There were moments listening when I had to pause the book and listen to a couple of AC/DC songs which put me in the moment even more!
If you are thinking of buying this book in Audio or even paper format then I fully recommend it.

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Great!!

I really enjoyed it! I wasn't sure if I would but it's a great book, and Brian's narration was fantastic; he makes it feel like he's just chatting to you. Highly recommended.

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Fantastic for any AC⚡️DC fan.

A fantastic book on a fantastic man and with Brian narrating the book it just comes to life lots of details that even hardcore ACDC won’t know about.

The stories of Brian’s family his early singing career his stint in the territorial army parachute regiment are full of laughter a little bit of sadness here and there but just a great story.

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Really listenable, very enjoyable yarns

Not a rock memoir, definitely not about AC/DC (though that era does feature, of course).

Great yarns about growing up and living in NE England/Britain in the 50s/60s/70's.
Then on to the 80s and the near miracle of joining AC/DC.

Really enjoyable and engaging throughout.


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Legendary

What a man, his journey, thanks Brian and Ac/Dc, what a wonderful life story- rock n roll royalty.

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NAILED IT, FUNNY, INTERESTING, HEART WRENCHING..

brilliant stuff Jono just fantastic.

I laughed and cried, boy you can tell a story!

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Fantastic Sad & Funny Story

What a ride truly fantastic story funny and tinged with sadness, BJ brings the tale alive 5 stars all the way from me 🤘🤘🤘

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Brilliant book

Brilliant book thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I definitely highly recommend this book to any fans of one of the greatest bands ever to walk the earth

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Brian Johnstone writes as powerfully as he sings

Just finished listening to the Lives of Brian. It is the most enjoyable and interesting biography I have ever read/ listened to. Brian’s tales of his earlier frustrations and his eventual dream gig with AC/DC
are heartfelt and a fascinating insider insight into the world of rock music. Brian is a natural raconteur and could certainly have a second career as a comedian. Have a drink on me!!

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