‘It's a Reality’: Living in the Shadow of Younger Brother Jimmy Barnes
John Swan, widely known as Swanee, is the elder brother of Jimmy Barnes and the first musician in the family to pursue the stage. At 73, he reflects on his life, his struggles with addiction, and his famous sibling's influence.
“Not many people touch on it, and I think they're just polite,”
he said, noting how discussions about any rivalry are often avoided. Despite the spotlight frequently shining on his younger brother, Swanee has always stayed close to his family and remained proud of their shared musical heritage.
“I didn’t really give a stuff, because I got offered the gig before he did,”
he recalled with humor. At the time, Swanee chose to remain the drummer for his band, valuing his modest weekly wage of $25 and unwilling to risk losing it.
“My jaw just about hit the floor when I heard Mossy [Ian Moss] and Steve Prestwich,”
he admitted, expressing admiration for the powerful talent in the group. Swanee later joined the band to sing alongside Jimmy about six months after its formation but soon realized it was time to move on.
“I was smart enough to realise that this band doesn’t need me,”
he said. Swanee then launched a thriving solo career, performed in several other bands, and even replaced Angry Anderson in The Party Boys, achieving a number one single with them.
Author’s Summary
John “Swanee” Swan reflects on his early career, family loyalty, and personal resilience while embracing life beyond the shadow of his brother Jimmy Barnes.