Rock and roll is usually a pretty loud business. But back in 2016, the loudest noise surrounding the legendary band AC/DC didn't come from a Marshall stack or Angus Young’s Gibson SG. It came from a podcast. Specifically, it came from a comedian known for his Goat Boy sketches and a frighteningly accurate impression of Brian Johnson.
When Jim Breuer sat down to record an episode of his podcast, "The Metal In Me," he probably didn't think he was about to set the global music press on fire. He was just a fan who was also a friend, venting about a situation that felt inherently "wrong."
The Day the Rock World Shook
Basically, the drama started when AC/DC suddenly announced that Brian Johnson was stepping away from the "Rock or Bust" tour. The official word? Total hearing loss risk. If he didn't stop, he’d never hear a note again.
But then Jim Breuer enters the chat.
Breuer, who had spent years perfecting a Brian Johnson impression that was so good it actually led to the two becoming real-life buddies, went on his show and dropped a bombshell. He told his listeners that Brian felt "kicked to the curb." He described a scene where Brian’s touring luggage just showed up in his driveway in Florida, unannounced, like a messy breakup where someone leaves your stuff on the lawn.
"Boom. Here's your s—t, nice to know you," was how Breuer characterized the band's attitude.
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The internet, as it tends to do, absolutely lost its mind. Fans were livid. Was Angus Young really that cold? Was Brian Johnson, the voice of the band for 36 years, really being treated like a "hired gun" or a Walmart cashier getting replaced?
What Actually Happened Between Jim and Brian?
Honestly, the truth is a bit more nuanced than the headlines suggested. Jim later had to jump back on the mic to clarify things because, well, he realized he might have accidentally made things worse for his friend.
He admitted he wasn't exactly quoting Brian verbatim. He was "venting."
Think about that for a second. Have you ever had a friend go through a rough patch at work, and you get so fired up on their behalf that you start telling the story in a way that’s way more aggressive than they actually felt? That was Jim. He saw his friend sad, down, and depressed in Sarasota, and he went into protective mode.
- The Hearing Issue: It was real. Doctors told Brian that doing indoor shows after the outdoor leg of the tour would be "suicide" for his ears.
- The Communication Breakdown: Brian reportedly called the band to give them the medical update, hoping to find a workaround.
- the Press Release: Instead of a workaround, Brian saw a press release essentially saying the tour was continuing with guest singers.
That’s where the "kicked to the curb" sentiment came from. It wasn't necessarily that Angus sent a mean text; it was the silence. The corporate, cold machinery of a massive rock band moving forward while the singer was still trying to process his diagnosis.
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Why Jim Breuer and AC/DC Are Linked Forever
You can't talk about Jim Breuer without talking about his Brian Johnson impression. It’s not just a caricature; it’s a tribute. He captures the gravel, the Geordie accent, and that weirdly charming "pirate" energy Brian has.
Breuer has stories for days. Like the time he and Brian bonded over their fathers being World War II veterans. Or the hilarious realization that the German language allegedly doesn't have a specific word for "nipple," leading to a Brian Johnson-style riff that only Jim could pull off.
It’s a weirdly beautiful friendship. Most fans dream of meeting their idols. Jim didn't just meet his; he became the guy Brian calls when he’s feeling low.
But that 2016 incident left a mark. It highlighted the tension between the "business" of AC/DC—which Angus Young famously guards with an iron fist—and the human beings who make the music. For a few months, it looked like the band was dead. They brought in Axl Rose to finish the tour, which was... divisive, to say the least.
The Redemption Arc
If this story ended in 2016, it would be a tragedy. But luckily, rock and roll has a way of fixing itself.
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By the time the "Power Up" album cycle rolled around in 2020, Brian was back. New hearing technology—basically a specialized in-ear monitor that uses the bone structure of the skull—allowed him to perform again. And guess what? The drama with Jim Breuer seemed to have blown over.
Jim actually collaborated with Brian on a track called "Mr. Rock n Roll" for his own album, Songs From the Garage. Hearing Brian’s voice on a comedian’s record was the ultimate proof that the friendship survived the media firestorm.
The Takeaway for Fans
What can we actually learn from the whole Jim Breuer AC/DC saga?
First, never underestimate the power of a podcast to ruin a quiet afternoon.
Second, the "truth" in rock and roll is usually somewhere between the cold corporate press release and the heated rant of a best friend.
If you're a fan of either, the best way to support them is to focus on the work. Go back and listen to Back in Black or watch Jim’s "Hardcore" special. The 2016 fallout was a moment of human weakness in a world of superhuman rock stars. It reminds us that even the guys who sing "Shoot to Thrill" get their feelings hurt and need friends to vent to.
Actionable Insights for the Hardcore Fan:
- Listen to the "Power Up" Album: It’s the definitive proof that Brian and Angus reconciled and found a way to bridge the gap that Jim Breuer initially exposed.
- Watch the Clarification Video: If you ever find the original 2016 podcast clips, make sure to watch Jim’s follow-up video on Facebook or YouTube. It provides the necessary context that he was speaking as a "fan," not a spokesperson.
- Explore the "Songs From the Garage" Collaboration: Check out the track "Mr. Rock n Roll." It’s a rare chance to hear Brian Johnson in a more relaxed, fun setting outside the massive AC/DC machine.