OVERVIEW - ABOUT ME
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.
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