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Issue Date: October 19, 2008
Interview: AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson. The band's new album "Black Ice" is the first in eight years.
"We do one thing, and that is rock"
By T.J. Walter
For those about to rock, he salutes you.
As the lead singer for AC/DC, purveyors of arena-rocking power chords since the '70s and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees in 2003, Brian Johnson has one of the most recognizable voices in hard rock history. You can't mistake that English growl, which, chances are, you sang along with at countless wedding receptions ("You! Shook me allllll niiiight looooong!").
Sold exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores and on the band's website starting Oct. 20, "Black Ice" is the first set of new AC/DC material since 2000's "Stiff Upper Lip." "It came together like a wonderful pudding," Johnson reports. We recently sat down with the 61-year-old rocker in New York City to chat about the album, the band's world tour that kicks off Oct. 28 and other topics close to his heart.
On keeping that classic sound: We do one thing, and that is rock. Over the years, people have tried to compartmentalize us, calling us "metal," "hard rock" or whatever, but to us we are just plain and simple rock 'n' roll. We have always followed the idea that if it isn't broke, don't try to fix it. Fans may notice more melodies in the new songs, but essentially they are still going to get that wall of guitars coming at them.
On recording "Black Ice:" I hate studios. I hate headphones and microphones, and I am just standing there all by myself. And the day I came into the studio, [producer Brendan O'Brien] took me to the little office behind the receptionist, and there was a small mixing board, a microphone with a board attached to the bottom, and he told me to sing. "You are going to love it," he said. He played a backing track, and I just started belting out the songs. We scared the [stuffing] out of the receptionist.
On the highlight of the AC/DC catalog: "You Shook Me All Night Long!" It was the first song I wrote with the guys, and it has a special groovy beat that won't let you go. It has such a special place in my heart, and I still love to sing it onstage. To me, it might be one of the best rock songs ever written -- if I do say so myself.
On his unusual side project, a musical based on Helen of Troy: It took me eight years to put it all together, and I am still trying to get it onstage. Dolores O'Riordan is gorgeous, and I'd love her to play the title role. I don't really like musical theater, but "Spamalot" is one of my favorites -- "West Side Story" and "South Pacific," too.
On modern touring: It's better now, like bunks with TVs. They used to be like coffins, and now they're all luxurious. But the traveling still takes its toll.
On living in the very un-rock 'n' roll locale of Sarasota, Fla.: I love it there, and I wouldn't swap it for anywhere in the world. There are great pubs, restaurants, theaters, a symphony -- and there is no traffic anywhere. The best pizza in America is at the Mediterraneo Restaurant on Main Street. There is actually quite a rock 'n' roll contingent down there. Scotti Hill from Skid Row and [legendary bassist] Donald "Duck" Dunn both live close by to me. There have been quite the jam sessions down there.
Photo: Brian Johnson, with AC/DC in 1980 on stage, top, and relaxing recently in his signature hat. He joined the band in 1980, after the death of Bon Scott.
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On that signature hat: I started wearing a hat when I was in my first professional band, Geordie. Whenever I perform, I never stand still, and the sweat always was pouring into my eyes. One night, my brother came to a gig, and he had one of those race caps with a short brim. He told me to try it out and maybe it would keep the sweat out of my eyes. I put it on and went out onstage. Remarkably, my eyes stayed dry, so I kept wearing a hat, and people started remembering me with the hat. One time in Belgium with AC/DC, I went out without it and nearly got booed off the stage. As soon as I put it back on, the crowd erupted, and I knew I had to keep it.
Photo Credits: performing: Michael Putland, Retna Ltd.; Hat Portrait: Guido Karp
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