Rock and roll has come a long way since the inception of the genre. But even as new bands and styles emerge, there are few that continue to stick to the roots that made it great. One of these groups is Airbourne, the Australian band that has been keeping true to their rock and roll roots since their inception in 2003. With a sound often compared to that of AC/DC, Airbourne has established themselves as one of the best rock bands of this generation. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the highlights of Airbourne’s musical journey, from their beginnings to their most popular albums and songs.
Airbourne has their roots in the Victorian town of Warrnambool, Australia. The current line-up consists of Joel O'Keeffe (vocals and lead guitar), Ryan O'Keeffe (drums), Justin Street (bass guitar), and Harri Harrison (rhythm guitar). The band’s musical influences include legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Kiss, and AC/DC, which are evident in their sound. After gaining popularity and a cult following in Australia, they migrated to the UK and then to the US, where they’ve since found great success.
Their debut album, Runnin’ Wild, hit the rock world like a freight train and still stands as one of their most iconic works today. Released in 2007, the album includes hits like Stand Up for Rock and Roll and Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast. They followed up this immediate success with their second album, No Guts. No Glory. in 2010, which debuted at number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album features some of the band's most famous songs, including Blonde, Bad and Beautiful, No Way But The Hard Way, and Bottom of the Well.
Moving forward, Airbourne released their third album, Black Dog Barking, in 2013. The record was positively received, with loud, gritty rock songs that exemplify their signature sound, played at a high volume. The album marked a momentous milestone in their career, with many music critics referring to it as the album that cemented their place as one of the most influential rock bands of recent times. Black Dog Barking was the last album to feature longtime member David Roads, who later parted ways with the band, paving the way for the entrance of new member, Harri Harrison.
Airbourne did not let go of their momentum, and their fourth album, Breakin' Outta Hell, hits hard, with heavier guitar riffs and screaming solos. Released in 2016, the album includes tracks such as Rivalry, Get Back Up, and the title track, Breakin' Outta Hell. Though the band had opted for a more straightforward approach to their previous works, the album delivers an excellent listening experience that is more than enough to satisfy fans of the band.
Airbourne has been around for almost 20 years, and they continue to stick to their roots. In a world full of different musical styles and genres, their commitment to rock and roll is a breath of fresh air. They've sold millions of records worldwide, headlined countless tours, and are considered by many to be the standard bearers for the genre. In short, Airbourne's musical journey has been one for the ages. This is a band that has stood the test of time, and their work will continue to be enjoyed by rock fans worldwide for years to come.
