News
Brian Johnson of AC/DC Slams Bono's Public Charity Work
The Haiti disaster has caused just about ever star in the music world to head to a recording studio in an attempt to release a charity song to help out. These efforts range from the good to the very, very bad—but don’t expect heavy metal giants AC/DC to join the cause.
Singer Brian Johnson has been talking about Bono and Bob Geldof and their public charity work, and he’s not happy about it. "When I was a working man I didn't want to go to a concert for some bastard to talk down to me that I should be thinking of some kid in Africa," he said. "I'm sorry mate, do it yourself, spend some of your own money and get it done. It just makes me angry. I become all tyrannical."
Johnson advocates making private donations to charities without any public fanfare, although it’s unlikely that the current crop of ego-fueled music stars will follow in his humble footsteps. Because it’s not just about giving to charity, it’s about making a public spectacle to show that you really, really care (and, by the way, have you heard my new album?) "I do it myself, I don't tell everybody I'm doing it," Johnson said. "I don't tell everybody they should give money—they can't afford it."
[via The Huffington Post]
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I completely agree with this...
Dawn
Sometimes if "you rally the troops", instead of taking on a monumental task by yourself, you can get better results. So, this raises the question, "who REALLY is the egotistical one" in this situation? There is strength in numbers, if someone has the "pull" to get people together for a particular cause then MORE POWER TO THEM...tradgedy victims need all the help they can get.
kenfu
What could be more of a public spectacle, than dissing the efforts to help in a catastrophic situation. The washed-up has-been really stooped low to get some cheap publicity.
Rev Bookburn
I stopped buying U2 music some time ago--about the time that Bono felt it necessary to continually tell me how to spend my money. (At that time he spent thousands of dollars on an electronic puppy for himself, also quite publicly.) Like many others, I WORK for a living, and I don't hesitate to make donations to worthy causes; however, I don't require a celebrity to remind me of the need. Charles Dickens did as much without drawing attention to himself well over a hundred years ago, and he did so thoughtfully and subtly. Although I don't pay much attention to AC/DC, I do know that their 2009 release did go straight to number one on the charts; "washed-up has-been[s]" Brian Johnson and the band are not. I am pleased to see a celebrity noting the nature of Bono's ego. I wonder if someone didn't have to say it, and Johnson has spoken for many.
S
washed-up-has-beens? the greatest rock band in history? what planet have you been living on? stooped low to get cheap publicity? ummm when have you seen Johnson speaking out to the public over the last 10yrs or so? he's never done it - why would he say that if he did it to get attention?. you clearly have no idea.
Brian has an extremely good point. and hes very realistic! he does everything like hes a normal person - in which he is. on the other hand, its really really good to see superstars give some of their fortune to a great cause, as for the point Johnson makes. workers just cant afford it, as much as they would like to.
Pires
Brian Johnson is right about this. I like both AC/DC and U2, but it does get old for wealthy musicians to go tell people who actually work that they should give their hard earned money away. I will give Bono credit, he has donated more than most wealthy musicians ever have. And Bono has helped raised awareness, and start charity groups that have made a difference around the world. But again Brian Johnson made his point. Its hard for the average worker to donate money when the money is just not there to donate.
Larry King
everybody's got their shtick. mine's bigger than yours'.
1nut