AC/DC’s Brian Johnson on overcoming hearing loss and their explosive new comeback album Power Up

There was a time, rather recently, when we thought we had seen the last of AC/DC. The band’s lead singer Brian Johnson faced serious hearing loss, drummer Phil Rudd was in court over drug charges, bass player Cliff Williams left the group, and most heartbreakingly, co-founder Malcolm Young died in 2017 due to complications with dementia. What happened after all of these setbacks is kind of incredible, but the band withstood adversity and has now returned with a new album called Power Up. Johnson joined Tom Power to discuss AC/DC’s big return.
Subscribe to our channel! / qtv
Meet the artists you're talking about, and the ones you'll soon love. From music, TV and film to visual arts, theatre, and comedy- q is there. Expect deep insight and big surprises, because on q, arts and entertainment get personal. Visit www.cbc.ca/q for more!
Follow us on Facebook: / qoncbcradio
Or Twitter: / cbcradioq
Or Instagram: / cbcq
--------------------------------------------------
Discover more from the music world at: / cbcmusic

[@markpettit9756]

Can listen to Brian talk all day.

[@thebobbit2740]

Tell me about... this guy is awesome!!

[@scottnorwood659]

Oh he’s definitely one of the top front men in rock music of all time. My opinion ac/dc doesn’t work with Axel Rose. Couldn’t image the band without him. Band should retire when he’s done.

[@THEBORGRESISTANCEISFUTILE]

Met this guy a few times his Daughter went to the same school as I went to he even signed my arm cast which was broken I always remember he picked her up in his silver Jaguar he is Honestly a very nice guy just another famous Geordie guy one of many

[@tramlad2]

Love the guy, a proper gent of a man, and a good Geordie to boot, he has never changed, he has a lust for life, AC DC just an amazing band, live them long

[@paulyabe]

I am surprised I can actually understand him with that strong accent

[@p1rz666]

Brian Johnson is one of the best guys out there.... So humble and so cozy to be around... Really an amazing human being!!

[@cray9925]

Brian Johnson-"Nope...I need it full on...battle field conditions loud." Who doesnt love this 73 year old man child? I hope he lives to 173!!!

[@mariuszw9665]

If they will keep making new music than I hope he lives to 173 at least!

[@lisascarrott6142]

@@mariuszw9665 yeah me too I dont want them to go die or retire they are far to good I hope we have them for another 200 more years seriously my life without acdc will not ever be the same I need acdc in my life and have done for over 10 years now rock n roll will never die

[@tjworker5482]

My dad sings ! Not that good, but I love his voice. He reminds me of my pop a little bit. My dad loves music but tried music. I was his musical ability 😂, I just played drums and piano. Kinda. Drums, yes! Now I sang, then my daughter came around and she learned how to sing!🤘🏻 such a fun thing, the depths of music! When in a simple temple of a crowd, it becomes a temple🥁🔥🥁🥳

[@JokersWild70]

Hopefully we get at least one more tour....please!!!

[@timrussell1559]

One of the most successful singers in the business and Brian still acts as humble and down to earth as any average guy you'd meet out in public. A class act all the way!

[@JohnBull-im3sv]

Yeah mate.

[@msmoniz]

If I could ever have Brian Johnson address me as "Me son", I'd be done! I could die now! That man seems so laid back and genuine, despite being one of the biggest Rock Star singers to ever front a band. No airs!

[@wolfie316781]

I think Tom is from Newfoundland Canada my home province we are a province mostly comprised of Irish English and Scottish immigrants so this is really cool

[@msmoniz]

@@wolfie316781 Yes, he's from Newfoundland, and rightly proud of it! Hope to get there one day myself as a life long Ontarian

[@mgmnfld3109]

@@wolfie316781 Cheers my fellow Newfoundlander.

[@williammaclay7536]

Totally... I hated to hear he had hearing loss after Malcom died...but these guys will NEVER stop!!!!😁😁I’ve seen them 4 or 5 times and each time was better than the last... you NEVER knew what these guys were gonna do. I saw angus on Brian Johnson’s shoulders running thru a crowd of people playing and people were so respectful!!!! Didnt grab him or nothing!!!

[@derickdoveglass]

I had this exact thought just the other day haha. Perfect

[@justsomeguy6867]

Brian Johnson an honest man who probably doesnt know what to do with alot of money but just sits there smiling thinking about the good times hes had and the good times to come just a ordinary guy with an extraordinary Life

[@v4panigale26]

He spends a lot of it on cars which is super cool

[@pietdijkman1980]

Well, he told once in an interview he has an old timer Rolls-Royce and uses it to go to the supermarket.

[@BlueHopi144]

@@v4panigale26 yeah , he is a car nut like Jay Leno .

[@ClarkKent_13]

Kinda like Lemmy. He still lived in a crap apartment in LA and just sat at the rainbow drinking whiskey mowing down smokes and playing video poker. But that guy was one of the most down to earth and laid back guys ever.

[@camlendrim7609]

Not sure I have ever heard a happier,humble,congenial and more down to earth rockstar. Ditto with Angus. They never seem to be off put by interviewers who respect them but can’t help but rehash the same questions. Thank goodness technology has restored Brian’s hearing which allows him to return with his mates. 👏

[@steveweiss2081]

The only thing better than a Brian Johnson interview is a Brian Johnson/Angus Young interview. There’s no hint of a rock star ego in either one of those two. Put them on a stage and they turn into rock monsters...but when the show is over, they’re just guys. I respect the hell out of that.

[@Geoff--]

Obviously a great interview by Brian. Just a regular guy with an enormous talent. However, big shout out to the interviewer Tom. Asked good, thoughtful questions and then got out of the way and let Brian speak and get his complete thoughts out there. No talking over him or butting in. Well done sir!

[@dkkrecords]

Thought the same. Tremendous interview. Like the music Johnson talks of: honest.

[@christinaomalie429]

I agree about the interviewer. Great job!

[@alanconnelly3921]

Yea he let brian finish his stories

[@tenpercentfordabigguy8550]

Brian's voice on the Power up album is incredible. The man is a certified legend.

[@ShaneOwnby5150]

Brian is a fine gentleman. The world needs more folks like him.

[@RobertoGonzalez-ot8hn]

Brian, he is a class act, so nice and humble.

[@gregbaker875]

Brian Johnson just seems down to earth

[@donalddodds9471]

I swear Brian Johnson is one of the coolest, most down to earth guys.. In all honesty I think both Bon and Malcolm would be so proud of POWER UP.. This is why AC/DC and Iron Maiden are two of my favorite bands... No Ego No B.S. of any kind..Just humble down to earth guys and I cannot believe how brian sounds on POWER UP for a guy approaching his mid 70's

[@kgunitkeese17]

You’d think Brian would have a cocky air about him but all evidence to the contrary. Very personable, honest and laid back. If I was interviewing him face to face, I’d probably say “Screw the interview, let’s go grab a pint.” I would feel so flattered if he called me “me son”.

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

Listening to this album puts the biggest smile on my face.

[@gwwayner]

I'm now 70 years old and fondly remember AC/DC way back in the 70's. These guys have been around for a long time indeed and are rock music at it's purest.

[@robertkaplan7287]

73 and still has the pipes!

[@brendanyoung282]

Total legend. You can tell he's a lovely feller. What a frontman!

[@danadane2501]

One of the most consistent , skilled , powerful and successful Rock singers in the past 50 years . He's incredibly down to earth considering .

[@vemonguy686]

Protect these men at all cost from covid so when this pandemic is over the can come back to the stage

[@alanconnelly3921]

Brian got all kinds of stories love it

[@davidnorman5357]

As always, Brian is one of the nicest in showbusiness. And this is a great record as a whole! Great!

[@mikel.laughridge9480]

He is such a great guy. Down to earth and still can sing like he was 40yrs old. Good for him . I am very grateful for all these guys. Long live AC/DC

[@Zombie-Tog]

Whatever you do, the key to life no matter how good you are is humility....and here is a gold plated example.

[@JamesvanHest]

The thing I love about Brian is that he makes me feel like I've been friends with him for years, even though I haven't met him. I feel like I'm having a conversation with him when I watch stuff like this even though I've never been able to say anything to him. He always puts a smile on my face and makes me happy, ever since I first got into AC/DC before I could walk. thank you Brian. You've inspired me as a 17 year old to pick up my guitar, microphone, drums and bass and give it my best shot to make more rock n roll in the world.

[@danacoleman4007]

Indeed!!!!

[@VangeliRock]

AC/DC may have just saved the world. Fantastic album, fantastic guys, Rock N Roll without AC/DC would be a huge mistake. Thanks guys for this. Vinyl album arrives today, and I get wait to drop the needle on it. Long live AC/DC.

[@rogerrabbitonpcp6021]

Brian sounds so wholesome

[@shaunclifton5281]

My Absolute Favorite Rockstar / Celebrity , what have you, EVER. Brian is the most jovial, Happy, down to earth guy with no ego. God Bless Ya, Brian ! You are the Best !

[@kenabell4978]

Brian chose back in black to try his return, third line “it’s been to long I’m glad to be back” ! Not as glad we are kidder, the guy is so humble and genuine, smooth as a gravy sandwich as he’d say. May he sing for another 40 years top guy

[@Augmuse]

Brian is great to listen to talk about anything.

[@TheWacoKid1963]

35+ years of living in America and this Geordie lad hasn't lost his accent, "Ya Kna" :)

[@sammurphy5573]

'Ya kna' ya' roit aba that!

[@mikehunt4375]

Al wor togetha ya kna

[@meadish]

...not to mention making music and touring with Aussies for the better part of the past 35+ years.

[@ericprice5471]

Yeah but, he lives down in Florida, in an area that was basically always getting raided by pirates. So, talking like he does kind of just seems reasonable.

[@ericprice5471]

@MrZapparin yeah. I’m pretty sure Brian Johnson is a buccaneer.

[@raymondreid4987]

Such a good man who likes to joke and tell stories he's just incredibly funny and a great down to earth guy. Who couldn't be friends with him it would be an honor too call him a friend.

[@danielbonora343]

"dont think were spiritual cos were not " im sorry brian but you are otherwise this album wouldnt exist

[@wolfie316781]

had cold shivers the entire interview, what a monster Brian is and really has no attitude about any of it amazing !!!

[@kukko83]

This really puts a smile on my face. I grew up with AC/DC, and it's still the best band in the world to me. I love the new record, and the fact that they've been able to update the sound ever so subtly. Hearing Brian talk about the honesty of rock 'n' roll, and seeing him jamming to Back in Black just makes me feel really comfortable. It's like realising that there's still at least on thing right in the world. That thing is AC/DC.

[@michaelg.1786]

Brian is the uncle we all want to have a few pints with and just listen to his life stories!

[@PALPABLEemotions]

I really sympathise with the turmoil brian went through with hearing loss. A real champion!!

[@jjp_nl]

You gotta admire how these guys managed to bounce back without much drama or BS-ing around, despite Malcom's illness and ultimate passing, Brians hearing problems, Willams hanging it up and Rudd making some unfortuante life choices. At the end of the day you have to deal with whatever curve balls life throws at you. Glad these guys still understand and appreciate what they can do when you put them on a stage or in a recording studio for that matter.

[@thomasschmidt3343]

Best Interview ever. Brian's so awesome. Thank God, he's back.

[@oksanadaurova]

His god is devil

[@larrybarnes3920]

@@oksanadaurova neither god or the devil are real outside a person's mind, so no harm no foul.

[@whitenoise3335]

Such a nice man.

[@MikeKitterman]

You have to admire the modesty and politeness that these five fellows possess. They are the indisputable best rock band of all time and you would think you are listening to your uncle Frank when they speak. A lot of class and even more deserved respect.

[@pamelac.3241]

I wouldn't get through my workouts at the gym without AC/DC!!

[@SigmaStoicGemini]

Brian is just a straight up, good human being. We need so much more of this in 2020.... I think the help he got with his hearing in turn really helped his vocals. Power Up's vocals are easily, in my opinion, Brian's strongest and best since Flick of the Switch. And the album as a whole maybe be the best since Flick too (although Razors/Ballbreaker/Stiff are all excellent). Brian, a HUGE thanks to you and the boys for saving 2020! 🤘

[@willh3972]

I was really surprised with the vocals, the hearing and rest really helped.

[@jamesbishop2183]

Everyone I have seen or heard that has listened to the new Album all say the same thing, it's the 1980's all over again. Brain sounds 40 years younger, simply amazing. He is a great guy and God Bless him and all members of AC\DC...absolute rock legends!

[@jeffsloane8628]

Man, I love AC/DC! The fact hey they have been able to keep going despite what life, and death, has put in front of them is a true testament to the character of each individual that has been involved in making them all that they are. So much respect for each member and their supporters. GNR, and others, could learn a lot from what this band has done.

[@daijones101]

Brian seems like a good fella

[@onebridge7231]

He’s one of the coolest lead singers!

[@lindaellen808]

He is the best singer for that band.

[@allanjackson9370]

The thing I love the most about AC/DC is that they have NEVER sold out, they have and always will STAY TRUE to their roots, PLAYING LOUD and PLAYING IT HONEST.

[@mil5411]

Never sold out? Well, you sure have some heavy researching to do, mate!

[@donaldperkins6148]

If you are a True ACDC fan let's let malcolm know we love you

[@golfhound]

Good news about a new album and reforming again. Great news about the doctor who help Brian regain some hearing with new technology. The implications of this should help millions around the world with hearing loss. I'll have to listen to that part of the interview again.

[@prettydistractednails2282]

My goodness is this how the modern hearing aide was created? I’m ever grateful. I started wearing a hearing aide after hearing loss that I think occurred from attending a concert. I was 44 when I attended the concert. Never thought I’d be wearing a hearing aide at this age. But it’s absolutely wonderful to have this tiny little device. I don’t even sleep without it.

[@danieljohnson2349]

"Long live AC⚡DC , long live Brian Johnson" 🤘

[@derekhatt767]

I can't give enough likes for this video and Brian Johnson!

[@ronnie5129]

Brian, glad to see you back, and the band is still Rockin, As Usual, R.I.P. TO Malcolm

[@jaymcd8577]

I was blessed to see ACDC on the last night on the last stop of their Aussie tour in Perth WA back in 2015, and from what came afterward with Brian I felt so lucky. Fast forward 2020 and they rise from the grave, again! Amazing!! As long as we've got legends like these to keep on marching Rn'R will never die.

[@mr.nobody68]

Such a great guy

[@BigDaddyJinx]

He seems so chill. Like someone you'd sit down and have a tall glass of suds with.

[@wademichaels8207]

Without the Thunder From Down Under...there'd be a hole in our Rock-n-Roll SOUL.

[@yada.phu69863]

I love AC/DC since I listened back in black in 1983 in Thailand I love Brian Johnson and everyone God bless you all.

[@riffraff4213]

Just a pure living rock and roll legend. Who co-fronted one of the biggest and best bands we will ever know. What a fucken unbelievable tag to own... long may he live and keep belting out tunes. 🤘💪

[@CarefulAtheist]

I'm going on 45. Married with two boys...who I VERY recently introduced to the magic of AC/DC. My 13 yr old LOVES Thunderstruck and Highway to Hell. If I ever had the absolute pleasure to meet Brian Johnson and he called me "son" I would burst into tears and hand him adoption papers.

[@jasondesjardins7371]

Brian is so genuine. Such a gentleman and an all around lovely guy.

[@williammaclay7536]

Brian kept AC/DC GOING!!! He’s a GREAT lead singer to see him and the boys doing it I love it!! I’m slightly deaf I’m my left ear and DAMN proud of it!! From AC/DC canons!!🎸

[@dupersuper6516]

Man I love Brian. Real deal.

[@adamant5437]

This legend is so down to earth and funny

[@donnymayes6500]

Brian Johnson hope all make another great album after pwr up is a great tribute album I love it been an acdc fan for a long time

[@Slucifer333]

1.Brian Johnson is the most humble guy I ever heard talking 2. The interview is so awesome, amazing journalist.. great questions.. just love it !!

[@dianedevery3711]

What a lovely, lovely man is Brian.

[@pagen1963]

I love Jonno’s transparency and honesty. He’s just as entertaining in his other career in television, enthusing about cars and interviewing other musicians. The new album is excellent and The Man In The Cap is back.

[@AdamSandaver]

Great interview. Awesome. The greatest rock band in the world is back....

[@gemarsab8333]

my favorite rock band AC DC , good to see you healthy Sir Brian

[@shaundonohue4879]

Brian, you really are a legend...

[@pablodebiddlybo3771]

Not only a great new album but one of the greatest AC/DC albums of all time. Couldn’t have timed its release any better ..

[@salomejackson1]

Brian is such a humble and an amazing person

[@theraven1850]

I remember going out to Manchester and buying BACK IN BLACK LP on its release coming home playing it and thinking, not too sure about this, 4 or 5 plays later and it never left the deck for months. Then going to the apollo and seeing them live on the FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK Tour and thinking WOW!!!

[@bernadetteapps9303]

What a great interview, Brian is just such a nice man. Thank you for the interview.

[@Alveyjr21]

I actually really liked Axl with them. He did a million percent better than I thought he would. But... it just wasnt the same. Glad Brian could come back!

[@bluebandit1281]

Axl actually did a great job filling in. Noone expected him to do a good job because he almost never does but I though he nailed it down pretty damn good and he even pulled some Bon Scott tunes out of the chest that Brian cant sing. The doorknobs you still hear complaining about it either never checked it out, have no real ear to tell a good performance from a poor one or are just being biased because they don't like him as a person which, frankly, isn't hard to understand, but a childish response. The only source of the songs with Axl I can find are all youtube videos recorded by halfwits and their cell phones. I'd pay for a professional copy straight off the mixer. Even just the audio. Only thing that would have made it better would have been Rudd on drums where he belongs but he is the one who screwed that up. Everyone always thought Bon Scott was the bad boy in the band but it's the quiet ones you gotta watch....

[@joshuadeshaies7266]

R.I.P. Malcolm. Love these guys!!!

[@da324]

I think Brian's voice on this new record is as good as it's ever been. I've been a huge fan from day one. He lives fairly close to me; I hope to run into him at some pub one day and have a chat over a tall one. .

[@MikeKitterman]

Being that it is as good as it's ever been makes it remarkable. I actually think his vocals in "Sea of Tranquility" might be his best vocals ever.

[@da324]

@@MikeKitterman Not aware of a song by that title. What LP is it from?

[@christuffer]

Incredible performance. The intro to Kick You When You're Down is superb. Hope to see them still touring when Brian is 90.

[@SuperFloyd35]

@@da324 he's trolling to get you to go to to his youtube channel

[@midnightflyer7510]

@@MikeKitterman Sea of Tranquility does not sound like any AC/DC song I’ve ever heard! Sounds like some new age sound scape BS I might try to force me to sleep.

[@erickgregoryful]

genuine as the music is, and a humble human, goes for miles and miles. AC/DC didn't compromise because they didn't need to. No fakery here, Never was. Turn it up!

[@susanmasino6198]

So nice to hear Brian talking about the band. Power UP is an amazing album, and I am so thrilled that he's back singing with the band.

[@karendadd483]

Such a down to earth man ..We love you Brian and hope you rock for many years to come..

[@rockalliance8815]

Gotta love AC⚡DC..

[@ronp510]

You are a legend and a great person Brian J. Love hearing you talk and love your car shows too. You have a great take on life. You are an inspiration. Thanks

[@angbernardo]

At 12:23 Brian says that the first bars need to sound like ACDC on an album. It’s funny because that’s exactly what I thought the moment I pressed play for Power Up. I immediately thought, “yes, classic ACDC.”

[@philc.352]

Many years ago at a concert in my hometown. I stood next to a speaker tower front left of the stage. My friend and I had met a couple of girls and somehow my friend was able to hear the girls talk. I couldn't tell what was being said over the music that AC/DC was playing. When I looked up from the activities at hand there was a singer staring directly at me. He pointed to me, smiled, and pointed and then made the rock and roll power fist! Quickly I replied to him instantly with all those symbols he had just made, then he smiled. Yeah, it was Brian Johnson. My accidental brush with someone famous and It couldn't have been a better combination of what I like to hear, see and feel with friends and the singer of the band that helped shaped those very feelings. My favorite band before, after and always.

[@andy42g]

Great to hear him talk. What a treat the new album is then for him - and for us.

[@chadcobb2285]

Living legend

[@Nephix]

Hearing Brian call people "me son" is the most wholesome thing I've ever heard

[@jessekauffman3336]

Brian is amazing

[@georgittesingbiel219]

Now you've got your hearing back 🤠. Please take care of your voice.❤️💕💞

[@talesofanasphaltjockey]

Love Brian , love AC/DC

[@Ian..]

Brian is just a good bloke. 👍🏻

[@danielgarner2963]

Great to remain young at heart and openly enthusiastic about life, as for the music, that's great too!!!

[@philipstout8947]

It's been a Lone time Since the Rock'n Roll. I Saw Brian Johnson at Easington Colliery Working mens Club North East England My Birth Place . Just After he left Geordie . Then again soon after he joined ACDC . In Berlin in the Deuchlandhalle What a Concert. Good Times you Never Forget. For those about to Rock we Salute you

[@larrybarnes3920]

Such a lovely bloke. When Bonn left us I really thought AC/DCs time was up. The first time I heard Brian sing with the boys, I was so damn happy they'd found such an incredible rock singer. It's so great to see Brian's got the ears back too.😊👍👍👍👍👍

[@sharonklinger912]

Everybody luvs you Brian!! Right on!!

[@dashfentrock]

What a guy!! Love him!!

[@davidtomkins4242]

I'm glad he made it back into the stoodyur