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AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Book“Hells Bells”

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AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Memoir “Hells Bells”

Brian Johnson was a roof fitter in northeast England before tearing the roofs off arenas as the lead singer of the hard rock phenomenon AC/DC. The “Hells Bells” singer recalls his journey to becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed rock stars in his new memoir.

It’s the classic Cinderella story. Only Johnson, now 75, has been a Cinderella at least three times, never abandoning his goal of singing in a rock ‘n’ roll band.

“I don’t know what it is, but I just never, ever sort of gave in,” he said recently over the phone from his Florida home. “I was always willing to take a chance on something when more pessimistic folks wouldn’t.” “I’ve always seen the glass as half-full.”

“The Lives of Brian Johnson,” published by Dey Street Books, chronicles his ups and downs growing up near Newcastle, culminating with his joining AC/DC and releasing the famous “Back in Black” album.

“The book wasn’t so much to validate my life,” he remarked. “It was to validate the lives of all the beautiful people I met who helped form my life – school friends, factory friends, music friends.”

AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Memoir “Hells Bells”

Music was his North Star, and he recalls being 11 years old and freaking out when he first heard Little Richard sing “Awop bop/a-loo bop/awop bam boom.” “Many have described that song, ‘Tutti Frutti,’ as the sound of rock ‘n’ roll being born — which is appropriate because my goal of being a vocalist was also formed at that moment,” he writes.

Johnson was a young father and husband as well as an apprentice engineer. He joined a British Army airborne infantry regiment to acquire enough money for a PA system.

He saw Jimi Hendriks perform when he was 15, and Sting perform when he was 15 and became friends with musicians of Slade and Thin Lizzy. He’d meet Chuck Berry, but things didn’t go well. He writes, “Never meet your heroes.”

Johnson, who would later create the immortal words “Forget the hearse/’cause I’ll never die,” made his stage debut in the delectably named The Toasty Folk Trio, survived a tragic car accident, and eventually found fame with the band Geordie.

The band made it to “Top of the Pops,” which was a huge accomplishment for any new band. He gave up a nice career at his engineering firm, but Geordie only had one Top 10 hit and quickly faded away.

AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Memoir “Hells Bells”

“I’d lost everything at the age of 28.” “Marriage, profession, and home,” he writes. He moved home with his parents and remembered seeing AC/DC on BBC. “I enjoyed every minute of it.” But it was also a reminder that I’d had my chance and wasted it.”

Johnson rebuilt his life, first as a windscreen fitter and then as a vehicle roof repairer, and formed Georgie II. He was overjoyed. He had a small business and a small band. “I believed it was my second Cinderella story,” he adds, “but there was more to come.”

The book explains where his signature headgear came from: He once rushed to a show without changing, sweating glue and glass shards into his eyes. His brother, Maurice, loaned him his cloth driving cap for protection, which the spectators appreciated.

Even still, a part of Johnson remained unfulfilled. A chance meeting with vocalist Roger Daltrey proved decisive. The Who’s leader welcomed Johnson, living with his band in a flat with only four beds on the floor, to his manor house for lunch.

On that day, Johnson recalls Daltrey approaching him bare-chested and barefoot, gripping onto the mane of his galloping white horse (“If this isn’t a rock star, I don’t know what is,” he writes.)

“‘I’m going to give you one bit of advice, Brian,’ he said. Never, ever quit. Do you get what I’m saying? Never, ever, ever lose up.’ “And I took that to heart,” Johnson said. “He probably forgot he said that, but I don’t.”

AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Memoir “Hells Bells”

Bon Scott, AC/original DC’s lead singer, died in 1980, and Johnson was given an audition to replace him based on recommendations, including one from Scott himself, who had heard him perform one night. Johnson didn’t realize they’d met until years later.

Malcolm Young, co-founder and rhythm guitarist, offered Johnson a Newcastle Brown Ale during the audition, a charming tribute to Johnson’s ancestry. Johnson’s first song with the band at the audition was Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits.” (“It was the most electrifying experience of my life,” he writes.) They then performed some AC/DC songs. Of course, he got the job.

Rowland White, the author of “Into the Black,” Johnson’s editor, said the shape of Johnson’s story is “exceptional because it doesn’t normally happen like that.”

“He was content that he’d given it a shot and made peace with it.” And it makes the shot at AC/DC feel more pleasant since it’s no longer something he’s strained for.”

AC/DC Front Man Brian Johnson Releases Memoir “Hells Bells”

The book concludes just as Johnson fulfills his lifelong dream. If fans want to know more about AC/beginnings, DC, he says, that’s not his narrative to tell – that’s for surviving members guitarist Angus Young, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd.

“That book belongs to the people who were there from the beginning,” he continued, “because that’s what I want to hear.”

Johnson is a natural storyteller, and his manager was the one who recommended a memoir. Johnson fought back. “Every week, some aging actor or musician publishes a book.” ‘No, not another one,’ I’ve always said.

Johnson, though, was urged to write a few chapters and sat down with a yellow legal pad. He wrote a book a few years later, which he dedicated to his great-great-great grandkids.

Why? On the way to his grandfather’s funeral, he asked his father about him. His father described him as “just a dude.” Then he inquired about his father’s grandfather, whose response was, “How the hell would I know?”

“I thought to myself, ‘What a shame, what a pity,'” Johnson added. “A few generations later, no one knows anyone.” As a result, I composed it for my grandchildren. I hope this book’s writings will help you get to know me a little better. And I hope you have a little piece of me in you and that you have a long and happy life.”

Source: AP, VOR News

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

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Los Angeles  — Sean “Diddy” Combs lawyer said Tuesday that federal officials’ searches of the rapper’s Los Angeles and Miami houses in a sex trafficking probe were “a gross use of military-level force” and that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.

The music mogul’s team issued its first public statement on Monday after Homeland Security Investigations investigators raided his house.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” stated attorney Aaron Dyer. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

The searches were conducted as part of federal investigators’ ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

According to Dyer’s statement, Combs was not held and spoke with authorities, and neither he nor any family members were arrested or had their travel restricted.

Dyer said that the “unprecedented ambush” resulted from a “premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”

“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” Dyer said in a statement. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

Combs’ kids, Justin and Christian “King” Combs were handcuffed during the raid on their father’s home in Los Angeles. King, 25, is a musician whose song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black topped Billboard’s Mainstream R&B Hip-Hop charts in 2022.

Law enforcement raided Combs’ multimillion-dollar estate in Los Angeles’ wealthy Holmby Hills neighborhood on Monday and his Miami waterfront home. Command trucks were stationed outside both homes, along with many officers.

The criminal probe marks a significant increase in Combs’ scrutiny since he has been the defendant in several sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. Combs settled the lawsuit the next day. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them.

In February, a music producer sued Combs, alleging that he pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

Another of Diddy accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

Diddy and his counsel have denied all of the lawsuits’ claims.

The Associated Press does not normally name persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

Diddy is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Diddy’s non-music business empire, which includes profitable private-label spirits, athletic clothes, and a television network, has been collapsing since the abuse charges surfaced.

His vodka and tequila partnership with Diageo, a major producer of distilled spirits, was officially terminated in January when the two parties settled mutual lawsuits, leaving the brands in Diageo’s hands.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

His fashion line, Sean John, has disappeared from Macy’s, one of the line’s principal partners; Sean John’s goods are still accessible at Walmart’s online site. However, many are severely discounted or only available in off-sizes.

In November, Combs quit as chairman of Revolt TV, which focuses on music and social justice issues for African Americans.

Source – (apnews)

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Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

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NEW YORK — Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement officers searched two properties owned by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

It is unclear whether Combs was the target of the probe. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

Homeland Security Investigations stated that it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”

A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment.

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Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

Lawyers for Combs and other representatives left messages requesting comments, but they did not immediately respond.

A police line was formed around the Los Angeles home in the affluent Holmby Hills district near Beverly Hills. Helicopter footage from KABC-TV showed several agents wearing vests, indicating they were from Homeland Security Investigations, and they were gathered in the backyard near the pool. A command post was set up outside the house, and agents were still coming and going hours after the search began.

Combs has faced many sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit saying that Combs pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them. Shawn Holley, Combs’ attorney, stated of the charges, “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, accusing him of sexual abuse, including rape, over several years. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.

Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

The Associated Press normally does not identify persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

In a December statement, Combs stated, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

According to Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing Cassie and another woman who sued Combs, “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

It is unclear whether the search is related to any of the charges in the cases.

Combs is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Combs founded the fashion clothing company Sean John, developed the music-focused Revolt TV channel, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

His most recent record, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” came out last year, just days after Combs was recognized at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was nominated for best progressive R&B album at the February Grammy Awards, but the rapper-mogul did not attend.

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

The entertainment business has faced a constant stream of career-ending sexual misconduct charges in the years since tales about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement in 2017. Weinstein and “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson are both serving jail sentences for rape. Dozens of civil cases have been filed against prominent individuals.

The music industry has not faced the same level of reckoning, but singer and producer R. Kelly is serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing young fans, seven women have sued hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, alleging he raped them, and two women have sued Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, alleging sexual assault.

Weinstein, Masterson, and Kelly appeal their convictions, while Simmons denies all of the claims made against him. Tyler has had one lawsuit dismissed and is now contesting the other.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

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Washington – Kevin Hart, who ascended from Philadelphia’s open mics and comedy clubs to become one of the country’s most well-known entertainers, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrities and notable comedians flocked to the Kennedy Center Sunday night to pay tribute to Hart, with numerous praising the comic’s work ethic, positivism, and unwavering commitment to his craft.

“He’s just inspirational,” remarked comedian Nikki Glazer on the red carpet. “He is one of the most naturally gifted people I’ve known. But he also likes himself, which is not the case with every successful comic.”

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Comedic actor J.B.J.B.ove (Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) describes a young up-and-coming Kevin as almost dangerously eager.

“Honestly, when he was first starting out, he was a pest,” she added. “But he was always picking up pieces from here or there, always learning from people and never afraid to learn.”

The event began with a high-energy duet between Robin Thicke and Nelly.

Kevin, 44, has developed a signature style incorporating his short stature, expressive countenance, and motor-mouth delivery into a popular stand-up routine.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Hart made his Hollywood debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and rose to mainstream prominence with a series of scene-stealing cameos in hits like 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.”

Hart’s films have made over $4.23 billion worldwide.

The Mark Twain Prize, now in its 25th year, rewards performers who have had a long-term impact on humor and culture. Honorees receive a bronze bust of Mark Twain, the famed American writer and satire born Samuel Clemens.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Mark Twain honorees are celebrated with a night of testimonials and video tributes, frequently including prior award winners. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chapelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 laureate, had his Mark Twain Prize revoked in 2019 due to charges of sexual assault.

SOURCE – (AP)

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