Brian Johnson Shares His Hilarious Audition Story For AC/DC

In the spring of 1980, Brian Johnson, an unknown singer at the time, auditioned for AC/DC to fill the void left by Bon Scott’s passing. Scott’s charisma and voice had been crucial to the band’s identity, making it a challenging role to step into. The Australian band had achieved massive success with their album ‘Highway to Hell’ the previous year, and Scott’s departure left them at a crossroads.

Johnson, at 32, was significantly older than the rest of the band members, adding to his doubts about securing the position. He recalled in an interview with Howard Stern that he had almost given up on his music career, living with his parents and considering opening an automotive business. He was also singing for commercial jingles to make ends meet.

A fan from Cleveland and renowned producer Mutt Lange played pivotal roles in connecting Johnson with AC/DC. Lange insisted that the band give Johnson a chance, and Bon Scott himself had previously mentioned Johnson to the band, praising his talent. Eventually, Johnson received a mysterious phone call for an audition from a woman with a thick German accent, who revealed little about the opportunity other than the initials AC/DC.

Despite his reservations, Johnson decided to attend the audition. On the same day, he recorded a jingle for a vacuum cleaner commercial, earning 350 pounds. Torn between returning to Newcastle and taking a chance on the audition, Johnson chose to cross the street to Vanilla Studios.

There, he met the band members who were waiting for him. Malcolm Young, one of the founding members, greeted Johnson with a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, breaking the ice. They bonded over drinks before getting down to the audition. Johnson suggested playing “Nutbush City Limits,” and as they performed, the chemistry was palpable. The band saw potential in Johnson, who was equally thrilled to be playing with them.

After a successful audition, the band didn’t immediately offer him the job, but Johnson left a lasting impression. Soon after, they called him back, and he joined AC/DC. Within six weeks, they recorded the iconic album Back in Black. Johnson’s first song for the band, “You Shook Me All Night Long,” showcased his passion for music and cars, beginning with the line, “She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean.”

Reflecting on the experience, Johnson described it as the most magical time of his life, even though he couldn’t fully grasp the enormity of what was happening. His addition to AC/DC not only filled the void left by Scott but also propelled the band to even greater heights of their career.