Jim Breuer Backpedals About Brian Johnson Quotes

Breuer and Johnson are apparently old friends, and Breuer dropped by the singer’s Florida home not long after AC/DC revealed that Johnson’s doctors said the singer’s hearing was deteriorating and he was in danger of going deaf if he continued to tour.

“He was depressed,” the comedian said on “The Jim Breuer Podcast.” (via The Wrap) “I’ve never seen him down before. He wasn’t upset about his health; he was upset that he feels like he just kind of got kicked to the curb.”

The comedian noted during the podcast that Johnson had hoped to finish AC/DC’s U.S. spring tour and as many dates as he could in Europe. Breuer said that when Johnson told the band his diagnosis he said, “Hey, this is what the doctor said, but let’s try to figure this out. I don’t think it’s as bad as he said it is” (via Canton Repository). 

Instead, the band announced March 7 that the remaining U.S. gigs would be rescheduled, “likely with a guest singer.”  According to Breuer’s story, “all his luggage that he ever toured with showed up in his driveway.”

However, Breuer has backed away from the story now that it has gone viral and posted the following statement on Facebook:

“I have seen some stories circulating about my podcast. As a friend, I saw Brian withdrawn for the first time in my life. He’s not a quitter, he seemed hurt by the situation of being between a rock and a hard place. I spoke as a true fan and friend, simply venting as if he was a brother of mine. I hope to see him Rock Out one more time. You have to remember I’m a comedian & a storyteller. I definitely exaggerate and sometimes I get a little carried away!! And this was one of those times!”

He also tweeted: “As far as the podcast – I was not quoting Brian Johnson’s words – he was down & out – hoping to finish the tour! It’s mostly me venting.”