Overview

Brian Johnson is an English singer and lyricist, born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, County Durham, England. He is best known as the lead singer of the Australian rock band AC/DC since 1980, joining after the death of Bon Scott. His distinctive, powerful voice and Geordie accent have been integral to AC/DC’s global success. Johnson’s early musical experiences included singing in a church choir and performing in local theater productions. Before AC/DC, he was a founding member of the glam-rock band Geordie, achieving some success in the UK. With AC/DC, Johnson contributed to numerous chart-topping albums, including the iconic ‘Back in Black’ (1980), one of the best-selling albums of all time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 as a member of AC/DC. Although he temporarily stepped down from touring in 2016 due to hearing problems, he returned to the band in 2020. Beyond music, Johnson has a passion for motorsports and has hosted the TV series ‘Cars That Rock with Brian Johnson’. He currently resides in Sarasota, Florida.

AC/DC

Lead Singer

What Is Brian Johnson’s Net Worth?

Brian Johnson, the celebrated English singer and lyricist best known as the frontman of the iconic Australian rock band AC/DC, has amassed a considerable net worth of $90 million. This substantial sum is a testament to his enduring career, marked by chart-topping albums, electrifying live performances, and various ventures outside of music.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, County Durham, England, Brian Francis Johnson’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. Raised in a family with four younger siblings, his exposure to music began early, singing in a local church choir and even appearing in a televised play. These formative experiences honed his vocal skills and instilled a passion for performance. Johnson also served in the Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army. Before joining AC/DC, Johnson was a founding member of the rock band Geordie, where he began to make a name for himself.

AC/DC and “Back in Black”

Brian Johnson’s career trajectory took a monumental turn when he joined AC/DC in 1980, following the untimely death of Bon Scott. The band felt that Scott wouldn’t have wanted them to quit and began the search for a new lead singer. Selected from a pool of potential frontmen, Johnson immediately impressed the band members. His debut album with AC/DC, “Back in Black,” released shortly after he joined, became a global phenomenon. The album’s success was not just immediate but has remained a cornerstone of rock history, with estimates suggesting it is the second best-selling album of all time. Although specific sales figures vary slightly depending on the source, “Back in Black” has consistently been cited as selling over 50 million copies worldwide. This landmark album significantly contributed to Brian Johnson’s Net Worth.

Musical Theatre and Other Ventures

Beyond his work with AC/DC, Brian Johnson has explored various avenues in the entertainment industry. A long-time enthusiast of musical theatre, he embarked on a project to create his own musical adaptation of Helen of Troy in 2003. Envisioned as a production akin to “Les Miserables” with minimal dialogue, the musical attracted interest from prominent singers, but it was never ultimately staged. Additionally, Johnson lent his voice to the video game “Call of Duty: Finest Hour” in 2004 and made a cameo appearance in the sports film “Goal!” in 2005. In 2000, Johnson released his autobiography, “Rockers and Rollers,” providing insights into his life and career.

Love for Cars and Racing

Brian Johnson’s passion for vintage cars and racing has led to various ventures in this realm. In 2006, he participated in the reality series “The Race,” showcasing his driving skills. Further cementing his status as a car enthusiast, Johnson achieved a notable time as the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car on “Top Gear” in 2009. He also competed in the 2012 Rolex 24 at Daytona and other racing events. In 2014, he began hosting “Cars That Rock with Brian Johnson,” a documentary series that delves into the world of iconic motor cars. These activities align with his well-known love for automobiles and further contribute to his public persona.

Health Issues and Hiatus

In 2016, Brian Johnson was compelled to step down from his role as the lead singer of AC/DC due to hearing issues. The ailment, stemming from a ruptured eardrum during an auto race where he forgot to wear earplugs, threatened total hearing loss if he continued performing. Although initially perceived as a retirement, Johnson clarified that he was only halting touring obligations. During his absence, Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses filled in as the lead singer for AC/DC’s tour dates in North America and Europe. The issue was not directly related to his music career but due to his participation in car racing events.

Return to AC/DC

Much to the delight of fans worldwide, Brian Johnson made a triumphant return to AC/DC in 2018. In 2020, the band released a new album, “Power Up,” with Johnson back at the helm. This marked a significant moment for both the band and its fanbase, reaffirming Johnson’s continued commitment to AC/DC. The release of “Power Up” not only reignited the band’s presence in the music scene but also contributed positively to Johnson’s Net Worth through album sales, streaming revenue, and associated merchandise.

Real Estate Holdings

Brian Johnson’s real estate investments further bolster his Net Worth. In 1991, he acquired a waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida, for $690,000. The following year, he completed the construction of an 8,000-square-foot mansion on the property, which remains his primary residence. While the exact current market value is speculative, similar properties in the area suggest a valuation exceeding $10 million. In 2019, Johnson donated a property valued at $335,000 to the All Star Children’s Foundation, demonstrating his philanthropic endeavors. The charity intends to sell the property, with all proceeds dedicated to helping children recover from child abuse trauma.

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