'It's a reality': Living in the shadow of younger brother Jimmy Barnes
John Swan, better known as Swanee, aged 73, recently reflected on his turbulent past, his battles with addiction, and life within his famously musical family. As the older brother of rock icon Jimmy Barnes, Swanee spoke candidly about the dynamic between them and the long shadow cast by his sibling’s fame.
“Not many people touch on it, and I think they're just polite,”
Despite what some might perceive as rivalry, Swanee emphasized his affection and pride for his brothers and sisters. He never allowed competition to affect his outlook.
“I didn’t really give a stuff, because I got offered the gig before he did,”
He recounted staying with his first band because he earned $25 a week and couldn’t afford to risk it. Swanee vividly remembered his astonishment when hearing Ian Moss and Steve Prestwich play.
“My jaw just about hit the floor when I heard Mossy and Steve Prestwich,”
Eventually, Swanee joined Jimmy to sing alongside him around six months after the band’s formation but soon decided it was time to move on.
“I was smart enough to realise that this band doesn’t need me,”
After leaving, he pursued a thriving solo career and joined other successful groups. Notably, he replaced Angry Anderson in The Party Boys and reached number one on the charts with them.
Author’s Summary
Swanee reveals a life shaped by resilience and humility, showing that sibling fame never overshadowed his own musical journey or self-worth.