Brian Johnson’s identity is inseparable from his musical passions. As the powerhouse vocalist of AC/DC, his raspy Geordie voice and onstage fire have become synonymous with raw rock energy. His love for hard rock isn’t just something he performs—it’s deeply personal, something that informs his every musical opinion. When asked about the songs that have stuck with him, Johnson tends to gravitate toward legends like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and thoughtful songwriters like Mark Knopfler.
AC/DC’s music is a perfect example of how relentless energy can carry a band to legendary status. They never needed to rewrite the rulebook—just amplify the basics with power and attitude. Despite their reliance on a no-frills, chord-driven formula, the band has endured, with Johnson at the helm, captivating sold-out crowds for decades. That same kind of electrifying drive is what Johnson looks for in the music he listens to—and why he was disheartened during a period in the late ‘70s when rock started to lose its edge.
“By around ’78 or ’79, rock was getting a bit too soft,” Johnson once recalled. “It felt like everyone was getting a little too comfortable.” For someone like him, who built a career out of stadium-shaking performances, that shift in tone felt uninspiring.
Then, out of nowhere, one track flipped the script.
Describing it as a fusion of blues, jazz, and rock, Johnson recalled the moment he first heard Dire Straits’ ‘Sultans of Swing’: “This thing came out, and we all went, ‘What is this song?’” For Johnson, it wasn’t just a breath of fresh air—it was a jolt of everything he loved about music.
Released in 1978 on Dire Straits’ self-titled debut album, ‘Sultans of Swing’ tells the story of a man who unwinds by watching a band play in a small club, unbothered by fame or image. The song celebrates music for music’s sake—something that clearly resonated with Johnson, whose own band has always prioritized sound over style, despite the visual trademarks like Angus Young’s schoolboy outfit.
But Johnson’s admiration for the track wasn’t just musical—it was personal. “Mark [Knopfler] is from Newcastle,” he said. “This is my real world, this is what happened to me.” Hearing ‘Sultans of Swing’ wasn’t just a musical awakening—it was a reflection of Johnson’s own roots and values. The song reminded him that authenticity, soul, and storytelling could still thrive in rock.
For Brian Johnson, music has always been about emotion and energy—traits he pours into every line he sings. So it makes perfect sense that a song like ‘Sultans of Swing’, with its vibrant musicianship and grounded narrative, would hold such a special place in his heart. It was a reminder, at just the right time, of everything rock could still be.
