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Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is an English rock singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of AC/DC since 1980.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brian Johnson is an English rock singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of AC/DC since 1980. He joined the band after the death of Bon Scott and became the voice on the group’s breakthrough album *Back in Black*.

Early life

Brian Johnson was born in Dunston, County Durham, England, on 5 October 1947. Public sources identify him as English or British and describe him as a singer and songwriter.

Career with Geordie

Before joining AC/DC, Johnson performed with the British rock band Geordie. This period established his early career in rock music.

Joining AC/DC

Johnson joined AC/DC in 1980 after the death of Bon Scott. He became the band’s lead vocalist and is strongly linked with the success of *Back in Black*.

Later work and public profile

In addition to music, Johnson has appeared in entertainment-related projects and has been profiled in memoir and media coverage. He remains widely recognized as one of rock’s notable frontmen.

Key facts

  • Johnson became AC/DC’s third lead singer in 1980 after Bon Scott died.
  • He had previously been the singer for the British rock band Geordie.
  • He is associated with AC/DC’s 1980 album *Back in Black*.
  • Sources describe him as an English or British rock singer and songwriter.
  • He has also been credited in entertainment-related acting and voice roles.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brian Johnson?
Brian Johnson is an English rock singer and songwriter best known as the lead singer of AC/DC.
When was Brian Johnson born?
He was born on 5 October 1947.
What band is Brian Johnson most associated with?
He is most associated with AC/DC, which he joined in 1980.
What band was Brian Johnson in before AC/DC?
He performed with the British rock band Geordie before joining AC/DC.
Why is Brian Johnson famous?
He is famous for becoming AC/DC’s lead vocalist after Bon Scott’s death and for performing on the band’s major releases, including *Back in Black*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Johnson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and role as AC/DC lead singer.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Johnson
    Supports: Nationality, birth details, and status as AC/DC singer since 1980.
  3. Wikipedia (Croatian) — https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Johnson
    Supports: Association with Geordie and AC/DC, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame mention.
  4. Fortune — https://www.fortune.com/2022/10/24/ac-dc-singer-brian-johnson-new-memoir/
    Supports: Background as a roofer, memoir coverage, and transition to AC/DC.