‘It’s a reality’: Living in the Shadow of Younger Brother Jimmy Barnes
John Swan, better known as Swanee, now 73, opened up about his life, discussing personal traumas, struggles with addiction, and the family dynamics shaped by his famous younger brother, Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes.
“Not many people touch on it, and I think they're just polite,”
Despite living in the shadow of his globally recognized sibling, Swanee said he never viewed their connection as a rivalry. He expressed consistent pride and affection toward all his brothers and sisters.
“I didn’t really give a stuff, because I got offered the gig before he did,”
Recalling his early career, Swanee explained why he stayed with his original band at the time—he was earning $25 a week and couldn’t risk losing that steady income. He vividly remembered being astonished when he first heard Ian Moss and Steve Prestwich play together.
“My jaw just about hit the floor when I heard Mossy [Ian Moss] and Steve Prestwich,”
Although he later joined forces with Jimmy about six months after the band formed, Swanee sensed it wasn’t where he truly belonged.
“I was smart enough to realise that this band doesn’t need me,”
Eventually, he carved out his own successful path, launching a solo career and performing with several groups. One highlight was when he replaced Angry Anderson in The Party Boys and achieved a chart-topping hit with them.
Author’s Summary
John “Swanee” Swan reflects on his enduring identity, resilience, and independence beyond the fame of his brother Jimmy Barnes.