Brian Johnson's first Recordings From 1971 To Be Released Next Month

June 30, 2016

The earliest recordings of Brian Johnson, dating back from 1971, will finally be released next month.

Brian's first band, The Gobi Desert Canoe Club, started out in Newcastle in 1967 and by 1971 after a few line-up changes the band was renamed The Jasper Heart Band and comprised Brian on lead vocals, Fred Smith on drums, Tom Hill on bass and Ken Brown on guitar.

In May 1971, Circa 2000 Records signed the band who recorded three tracks, "Down by the River," "I Want to Be Around" & "Overload." Due to lack of financing those recordings were never issued, and a couple of years later, Tom Hill & Brian went on to join Vic Malcolm to form Geordie and gain success throughout UK, Europe, Japan and Australia in 1973 and 1974.

The original master tapes were uncovered a couple of years ago and Ken Brown, with Brian's blessing, decided to finally release them independently. Ken will issue a CD with all 3 tracks recorded with Brian in 1971, as well as new recordings of the reformed Jasper Heart Band. The CD will be pressed as a limited edition based on demand from fans, and can be purchased by mail-order though Ken Brown directly, at a cost of £10 plus postage. You can email Ken at kennyfbrown123@gmail.com to pre-order a copy CD, which should be available mid-July.