Feature Photo: Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Airbourne was formed in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, in 2003 by brothers Joel O’Keeffe on lead vocals and lead guitar and Ryan O’Keeffe on drums. They were later joined by guitarist David Roads and bassist Justin Street. The band began building their reputation in the Australian rock scene through high-energy live performances, eventually catching the attention of Capitol Records. Before releasing a full-length album, they put out an eight-track EP, Ready to Rock, in 2004, which laid the groundwork for their signature sound.
The band’s debut studio album, Runnin’ Wild, was released on June 23, 2007, in Australia through EMI, followed by an international release on January 29, 2008, through Roadrunner Records. Produced by Bob Marlette, the album featured tracks such as “Runnin’ Wild,” “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast,” and “Diamond in the Rough.” The title track received significant airplay and was featured in video games like Need for Speed: ProStreet and Guitar Hero: World Tour, as well as in films and television shows. The album entered the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia and also appeared on charts in the United States and the United Kingdom, helping establish Airbourne internationally.
In March 2010, Airbourne released their second album, No Guts. No Glory., recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California, with producer Johnny K. The record included singles such as “No Way but the Hard Way” and “Blonde, Bad and Beautiful.” The album reached number 19 on the ARIA Albums Chart and broke into the UK Albums Chart’s Top 40. The band toured extensively in support of the release, performing at major rock festivals including Download Festival in the UK and Rock am Ring in Germany.
Airbourne’s third studio album, Black Dog Barking, was released on May 21, 2013, through Roadrunner Records. Once again produced by Brian Howes, the album was notable for maintaining the band’s no-ballads policy, focusing entirely on fast-paced rock tracks. Singles such as “Live It Up” gained traction on rock radio, and the band continued to secure high-profile festival slots, including Hellfest in France and Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium.
In 2017, the band released their fourth studio album, Breakin’ Outta Hell, through Spinefarm Records, with production by Bob Marlette. The title track and singles like “Rivalry” and “It’s All for Rock ’n’ Roll” became staples of their live shows. The album charted in multiple countries, including a Top 10 position in Germany. During this period, founding guitarist David Roads departed from the group to focus on his family business and was replaced by Harri Harrison.
Airbourne’s fifth studio album, Boneshaker, was released on October 25, 2019, produced by Dave Cobb at RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee. The record marked a more stripped-down and raw production style, recorded live in the studio to capture the band’s live energy. Songs such as “Boneshaker” and “Backseat Boogie” were promoted through international tours, with the band performing across Europe, North America, and Australia.
The group has received multiple nominations and awards throughout their career, including recognition at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, where they were nominated for Best Debut Album for Runnin’ Wild. Their music has been heavily featured in video games, commercials, and sports events, increasing their global exposure. Notable uses include NASCAR promotions, WWE events, and Formula One broadcasts.
Airbourne has maintained a rigorous touring schedule since their formation, playing alongside bands such as Mötley Crüe, Iron Maiden, and The Rolling Stones. They have also headlined their own tours and been a recurring presence at major international rock and metal festivals. Their performances are marked by Joel O’Keeffe’s trademark stage antics, including climbing lighting rigs and pouring beer over fans.
Complete List Of Airbourne Songs From A to Z
- Animalize – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Armed and Dangerous – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Back in the Game – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Back on the Bottle – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Backseat Boogie – Boneshaker – 2019
- Black Dog Barking – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Blackjack – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Blonde, Bad and Beautiful – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Blood in the Water – Boneshaker – 2019
- Bombshell – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Boneshaker – Boneshaker – 2019
- Born to Kill – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Bottom of the Well – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Breakin’ Outta Hell – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Burnout the Nitro – Boneshaker – 2019
- Cheap Wine & Cheaper Women – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Chewin’ the Fat – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Cradle to the Grave – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Devil’s Child – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Diamond in the Rough – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Dirty Angel – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Do Me Like You Do Yourself – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Down on You – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Fat City – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Firepower – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Get Back Up – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Get Busy Livin’ – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Girls in Black – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Heads Are Gonna Roll – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Heartbreaker – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Heavy Weight Lover – Diamond Cuts (The B-Sides) – 2017
- Hellfire – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Hotter Than Hell – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Hungry – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- I’m Going to Hell for This – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- It’s All for Rock n’ Roll – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- It’s Never Too Loud for Me – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Jack Attack – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Kickin’ It Old School – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Let’s Ride – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Live It Up – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Loaded Gun – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Money – Diamond Cuts (The B-Sides) – 2017
- My Dynamite Will Blow You Sky High (And Get Ya Moanin’ After Midnight) – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Never Been Rocked Like This – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- No One Fits Me (Better Than You) – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- No Way But the Hard Way – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Overdrive – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Party in the Penthouse – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Raise the Flag – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Rattle Your Bones – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Ready to Rock – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- Red Dress Woman – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Rivalry – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- Rock ‘n’ Roll for Life – Boneshaker – 2019
- Runnin’ Wild – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Sex to Go – Boneshaker – 2019
- She Gives Me Hell – Boneshaker – 2019
- Stand And Deliver – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Stand Up for Rock ‘n’ Roll – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Steel Town – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Switchblade Angel – Boneshaker – 2019
- Thin the Blood – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- This Is Our City – Boneshaker – 2019
- Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- Weapon of War – Boneshaker – 2019
- What’s Eatin’ You – Runnin’ Wild – 2007
- When I Drink I Go Crazy – Breakin’ Outta Hell – 2016
- White Line Fever – No Guts. No Glory. – 2010
- Woman Like That – Black Dog Barking – 2013
- You Got the Skills (To Pay the Bills) – Black Dog Barking – 2013
Albums
Runnin’ Wild (2007): 17 songs
No Guts. No Glory. (2010): 18 songs
Black Dog Barking (2013): 13 songs
Breakin’ Outta Hell (2016): 12 songs
Boneshaker (2019): 10 songs
Diamond Cuts (The B-Sides) (2017)
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