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The Lives of Brian
1
- GenresMusic
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2023
8 people want to read
About the author
Brian Johnson
255 books38 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
My word where to begin? I've had time on my hands over recent years, following early retirement, that I believe has been put to good use. My wife and I enjoy holidays, theatre and dining out, together I hasten to add; which I guess would keep most people content. Primarily though, I think I have been lucky to spend more time with my grandchildren than would otherwise have been possible.
I've been able to do some not very good watercolour pantings and some cooking which has turned out to be surprisingly edible.
As far as my writing is concerned; it was originally no more than a case of give it a try and see how it goes. The first chapter of my debut Captain Shoelace story was so well received by friends and family that I was encouraged to see it through to the end.
It seems that the book is appreciated by a wider audience than I anticipated. So much so in fact, another Shoelace story is in the pipeline. Whoever would have believed it!
My word where to begin? I've had time on my hands over recent years, following early retirement, that I believe has been put to good use. My wife and I enjoy holidays, theatre and dining out, together I hasten to add; which I guess would keep most people content. Primarily though, I think I have been lucky to spend more time with my grandchildren than would otherwise have been possible.
I've been able to do some not very good watercolour pantings and some cooking which has turned out to be surprisingly edible.
As far as my writing is concerned; it was originally no more than a case of give it a try and see how it goes. The first chapter of my debut Captain Shoelace story was so well received by friends and family that I was encouraged to see it through to the end.
It seems that the book is appreciated by a wider audience than I anticipated. So much so in fact, another Shoelace story is in the pipeline. Whoever would have believed it!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 26, 2025
An honest and very revealing book, from someone that went to the last Bon Scott tour and then the first Brian Johnson tour this resonates with me, Brian I salute you 🔔
August 7, 2025
Brian ❤️
March 7, 2024
A truly excellent read. The best book that I've read for a while. I was totally engrossed in the Brian Johnson story.
Normally it takes me around a month to read a book. This took just over a week. I really struggled to put this book down, even falling to sleep briefly while reading it one night - not because it was boring, but because I was so tired but couldn't come to put the book down!
Brian Johnson's story is full of challenges, but his grit and determination are truly inspirational. The Peter Kay quote on the front cover says it all - 'Written from the heart. A fascinating and inspiring story of one man's grit and determination to follow his dream, whatever it takes'. I couldn't say it any better.
The AC/DC story doesn't truly begin until page 287 which highlights the trials and tribulations in Brian's life before his big break. And this story ends in 1980. Brian notes at the end that there are several other stories that he wishes to tell in a second book. I cannot wait.
This has made me fall back in love with AC/DC - not a hard task - and particularly one of my favourite albums 'Back In Black'. Now knowing the personal story of Brian Johnson, it provides an additional connection to the music which only enhances the listening experience.
If you hadn't gathered from my waxing lyrical above, this is a must-read for all AC/DC - and in fact ALL music - fans.
Normally it takes me around a month to read a book. This took just over a week. I really struggled to put this book down, even falling to sleep briefly while reading it one night - not because it was boring, but because I was so tired but couldn't come to put the book down!
Brian Johnson's story is full of challenges, but his grit and determination are truly inspirational. The Peter Kay quote on the front cover says it all - 'Written from the heart. A fascinating and inspiring story of one man's grit and determination to follow his dream, whatever it takes'. I couldn't say it any better.
The AC/DC story doesn't truly begin until page 287 which highlights the trials and tribulations in Brian's life before his big break. And this story ends in 1980. Brian notes at the end that there are several other stories that he wishes to tell in a second book. I cannot wait.
This has made me fall back in love with AC/DC - not a hard task - and particularly one of my favourite albums 'Back In Black'. Now knowing the personal story of Brian Johnson, it provides an additional connection to the music which only enhances the listening experience.
If you hadn't gathered from my waxing lyrical above, this is a must-read for all AC/DC - and in fact ALL music - fans.
January 4, 2024
Big fan of AC/DC. Was bought this as a present for Christmas 2023. Read it and thoroughly enjoyed it, a real tale of 'never giving up' and always persevering. Hard not to like the unflinching honesty in this book, despite the challenges.
Fantastic book. 5/5
Fantastic book. 5/5
February 28, 2024
Memoir from the AC/DC frontman.
May 3, 2024
Brilliant
July 28, 2024
Truly Enjoyed the Story of Brian’s Life Before AC/DC
October 22, 2024
What a story. What a great Guy is Jonno. How could you not admire this genuinely likeable character and his story of success?
November 17, 2025
3.5 stars - rounded up as this was such a great memoir
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews