John Swan profile picture

John Swan

About Me

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Now on Facebook


OVERVIEW - ABOUT ME

I'm a fairly quiet guy. I love nature, the sea, animals and children, people who are positive and need nothing in return. I think that as we get older we seek a higher consciousness, that hopefully we will all start to treat the planet and those on it with respect and dignity.

I left school when I was around 13 and joined a band as drummer. I loved playing drums, just sitting in the groove was fantastic. I've always sung and found out that singers make more money. Well at least the ones I knew then. They used to take control and try to entertain rather than educate.

I'm a big blues fan and enjoy it immensely when it's played well. I have been learning some new instruments of late those being - The Harp, Banjo and Mandolin.

I suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction for many years, and hence wasted a good portion of my life. However, I put that behind me 6 years ago today and have never looked back. I wake up each day with no sickness and a brighter future. This is probably a little bit personal, but this is WHO I AM!! For this I am truly grateful, I have re-kindled my passion for music and life in general, it doesn't get much better than this, I'm a happy man.

MY PROFESSIONAL BIO

John Swan was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His family emigrated to Australia when he was still a child and settled in Elizabeth, South Australia. Apart from a stint in the Army, where he gained the title of South Australian Amateur Boxing Champion, John's career has always revolved around music.

John has been on the Australian music scene since he I was 14 years old. He has become part of this country's musical backbone playing first as a drummer, then as a singer with many of the country..s top rock and roll outfits.

In 1978 John released his first album "Into The Night" with WEA Records. Swanee's first major chart success was a great rendition of Tim Hardin's "If I Were A Carpenter" from the album "This Time It's Different". Success with the next 2 singles from the album immediately followed. "Lady What's Your Name" and "Temporary Heartache" both screamed straight up the charts.

John played all over the country, winning new fans wherever he went. He built a reputation as one of the best and most respected rock'n'roll singers in the country. "Live In The Snow" was recorded for all his fans who constantly requested songs that Swanee performed but hadn't recorded.

You have no doubt caught John on many international support tours like:- AC/DC, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Deep Purple, Robin Trower, 10CC and Johnny Winter. Also by invitation on the big Australian tours of INXS, John Farnham, Marcia Hines, Tommy Emmanuel, Midnight Oil, Renee Geyer, Jimmy Barnes and many others.

John enjoyed continued success working live around the country until a phone call came from Party Boy Paul Christie. Christie was considering a new front man and he needed, by his admission, "the best rock 'n' 'roll voice in the country". John Swan was asked ..............he accepted.

Along came the Party Boys self titled album which went number one in 3 weeks thanks to the success of the number one single "He's Gonna Step On You Again" and two top 10 hits "Hold Your Head Up" and "Gloria". They also had moderate success with a song penned by Swan and Lancaster "Is This The Way To Say Goodbye".

After a break John released a new CD with his old record company Warner Music. Titled "Heart and Soul" it contained 14 songs from classic blues ballads and rock compositions including such classics as "Lady What's Your Name", "If I Were A Carpenter", "Stand By Me", "Fooled Around And Fell In Love" and "Fire and Rain" plus some great tracks penned by the man himself.

Warner Music also decided to release the compilation "Days Gone By" - Swanee's hits that had not previously been available on C.D. for John's newer generation of fans.

More recently John has performed throughout Australia's East Coast as Special Guest on the Double Trouble Tour Featuring both Deep Purple and Status Quo. He has just completed the highly successful "Countdown Spectacular" which toured Australia nationally in September and October of 2006. Playing to capacity crowds nationally.

John has been kept busy touring with his band "Swanee", appearing at both Private and Corporate Events and working on us new upcoming album "A Little Faith" which will be released early 2007 through Liberation Records.

John is always looking to stretch his wings in new pastures. His show will encapsulate all facets of John's wide and diverse vocal styles and influences, plus a much more flamboyant presentation. He will continue to enthuse audiences with his unmistakable trademark, dynamic vocal ability and consummate showmanship.


My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 08/11/2006
Band Website: http://www.swanee.com.au
Influences: *Ray Charles *BB King *Chicago Blues in general *Buddy Rich Big Band *Jimmy Hendrix *Cream *Paul Rogers *Stevie Wonder *Johnny Winter *Paul Butterfield *Aretha Franklin *Mahalia Jackson
Sounds Like:

Hopefully I don't sound like anyone else I enjoy being "me". Though several people comment on the similarities of my voice to that of my younger brother Jimmy Barnes.


HAVE A LITTLE FAITH - NEW CD



TRACK LISTING

    Trouble If I Were A Carpenter Faith Is Believing Killing Floor Speak To The Sky Hold Your Head Up Have A Little Faith Being A Fool I'll Be Gon He's Gonna Step On You Stuck In The Middle With You
Listen to streamed versions of all tracks in the Discography section of the website before your purchase!

PURCHASE FROM.....

Available for purchase through my website in my Online Store


Record Label: Liberation
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Ian Miller

The music industry was saddened to hear of the death of Ian Miller last Thursday 14 May 2009 Ian Miller was a seasoned performer, producer, music publisher and educator. He has played guitar for 40...
Posted by on Mon, 18 May 2009 05:04:00 GMT

Music Matters

Things are looking good for the future. I'm back recording and starting to do lots of corporate work. I have been flat out doing benefits for the bush fire victims here in Melbourne, it's such a trage...
Posted by on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:36:00 GMT

Legends Of Rock Festivals Byron Bay & Perth

The Legends of Rock music festival is a fun loving music event catering for all ages. The festival is a one day event and will be held at the following locations.FEATURED ARTISTS Party Boys Randall ...
Posted by on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:18:00 GMT

The Adelaide Guitar Festival

The Adelaide Guitar Festival was superb I met many new friends and was blown off the map by the individual skills of these guys. I m finding it hard to put into words how much I was gob smacked by th...
Posted by on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:59:00 GMT

Vale - Ray Arnold

Ray Arnold, my old manager and friend died a few days ago. Ray used to manage Blackfeather and Feather. He always had time for others, and most of the older rock n roll survivors would have been touch...
Posted by on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:44:00 GMT

Adelaide Guitar Festival 2008

See world-class lines up of rock, roots and classical guitar acts at the massive 2008 Adelaide International Guitar Festival.Famous names will headline a multitude of genre-specific concerts to appe...
Posted by on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:55:00 GMT

News Update Aug 2008

Hi All Here is what I have been up to of late.I have been involved in an album for the Cancer Council.  I emailed the guys and a few of the ladies I have been blessed to work with over the years ...
Posted by on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:50:00 GMT

The Victorian Debonairs

The Victorian Debonairs(The Entertainment Industry Lunch Bunch) Formed nearly three years ago and named after that famous old vaudeville joke, the lunch club was designed simply to facilitate the ge...
Posted by on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:27:00 GMT

News Update

Recently I performed as part of a show at The Vanguard, Newtown on 24 April 2008  called 'Let There Be Rock' which was a tribute to Bon Scott. Performing with:- John Cass, Simon Meli, Max Schmi...
Posted by on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:16:00 GMT

Stolen Guitars - The Quest on Arlington Perth 6 March 2008

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Posted by on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT