We are thrilled to announce that John “Swanee” Swan has officially claimed the No.1 spot on the Australian charts with his latest album Believe! This achievement marks a major milestone in Swanee’s career, reinforcing his status as one of Australia’s most iconic rock musicians.

John Swan’s Journey to No.1, For decades, Swanee has captivated audiences with his powerhouse voice and unparalleled stage presence. With an impressive career that spans several decades, Swanee’s influence on Australian rock music is undeniable. His latest album Believe has been a long-anticipated release, and it has quickly become a fan favorite.

The album has topped the ARIA Blues & Roots Chart, and also charted within the Top 10 on several other charts, including Physical Albums, Vinyl, and Australian Artists Charts. This is no small feat, and it further cements Swanee’s position as a trailblazer in the Australian music scene.

One of the standout features of Believe is its stellar list of collaborators. The album features 16 tracks, 15 of which are collaborations with some of Australia’s most respected and talented musicians. Among those contributing their musical talents to the album are:

• Jimmy Barnes and Alan Barnes on the track “Brother of Mine”
• Diesel on the original song “Where Is My Soul”
• Mahalia Barnes on “People Get Ready”
• Jon Stevens, Melinda Schneider, Colin Hay, Joe Camilleri, Russell Morris, Rick Springfield, Dave Gleeson, Jack Jones, Ian Moss, Kevin Borich, and Wendy Matthews

These collaborations bring Swanee’s vision to life in a dynamic way, blending rock, blues, and roots influences with Swanee’s signature style. The album beautifully weaves together heartfelt performances with meaningful lyrics, making it a true reflection of Swanee’s artistry.

While Believe is an incredible musical achievement, it also carries personal significance for Swanee. In a heartfelt message, he shared that the album is a tribute to his late sister, Linda, whose memory continues to inspire him. Swanee’s deep emotional connection to this project adds another layer of richness to the album, making it more than just a collection of songs—it is a personal statement of love, loss, and legacy.

As Swanee continues to reflect on his journey, his music remains as powerful as ever. His motto, “Bridging the Extremities between Art and Spirit,” has guided his career, and it is evident that he remains committed to making music that resonates on a deeply spiritual and artistic level.

What’s Next for John Swan?
With Believe reaching No.1, the sky is the limit for John “Swanee” Swan. As he continues to engage his fanbase, both new and old, his future in the Australian and global music scenes looks brighter than ever. We look forward to seeing where this album takes him, and we can’t wait for what’s to come.

Official Links:

Congratulations to John “Swanee” Swan for this remarkable achievement! We are excited to see where this success takes him next and look forward to following his journey as he continues to inspire audiences with his timeless music.

Check out this walk down memory lane with this Classic Swanee track:

If you’re a newcomer to the Swanee story, here are six things you need to know:
1. He’s Barnesy’s big brother. Jimmy was born James Swan but later decided to take the surname of his stepdad, Reg Barnes. Swanee was always Barnesy’s idol. He loved that his brother was passionate and tough, recalling that Swanee would wear a kilt to school – “so other kids would pick fights with him, so he could belt them”.

2. Barnesy points out that Swanee has had more number one singles than he’s had. Swanee was the lead singer of Aussie supergroup The Party Boys when they topped the charts in 1987 with their cover of He’s Gonna Step on You Again.

3. When Swanee was 13, he ran away with a rock group, moving from Adelaide to Melbourne with a band called Happiness. They worked as the backing band for ’60s pop star Lynne Randell.

4. Swanee replaced Bon Scott in Fraternity www.fraternityband.com when Bon joined AC/DC. When Bon died, Swanee was tipped as his potential replacement. But Swanee says, “I was very close to the Young family, but they wouldn’t have wanted to take me; it would have been like taking Bon again, and I would have probably finished up in the same boat.” Swanee has now been sober for more than 20 years.

5. Cold Chisel (then known as Orange) asked Swanee to be their drummer/singer. He declined, but introduced his friend Steve Prestwich to the band, while Barnesy became their lead singer. The following year, Swanee spent a few months in Chisel, singing and playing percussion.

6. Swanee was the inspiration for the Mental as Anything classic Too Many Times. Greedy Smith wrote the song after a big night out with Swanee at Macy’s in Melbourne.