Living in the Shadow of Younger Brother Jimmy Barnes
John Swan, better known as Swanee, 73, is the older brother who paved the way for his musical family. He has openly discussed his past struggles, including trauma and drug use, as well as his relationship with his famous sibling Jimmy Barnes.
“Not many people touch on it, and I think they're just polite,”
Swanee said, referring to the overshadowing presence of his brother Jimmy.
Family and Career Dynamics
Despite the potential for rivalry, Swanee has always been close to and proud of his siblings. He shared that he wasn't bothered by comparisons because he received his first major opportunity in music before Jimmy did.
“I didn't really give a stuff, because I got offered the gig before he did,”
He chose to remain the drummer for his band, earning "$25 a week," a sum he couldn't forfeit at the time.
Swanee was surprised by hearing musicians Ian Moss and Steve Prestwich' involvement and later joined Jimmy’s band six months after it formed. However, he soon realized that the band did not need him and decided to move on.
“I'm smart enough to realise that this band doesn't need me,”
Solo Success and Later Endeavors
After leaving the band, Swanee launched a successful solo career. He also played with other groups, including replacing Angry Anderson in The Party Boys, with whom he achieved a number-one hit.
Summary
Swanee's journey underscores resilience and individual success despite the overshadowing fame of a close relative.
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