Since storming onto the world stage in 2006 with debut album ‘Runnin’ Wild’, Australian rock n’ roll party machine Airbourne quickly made a name for themselves. Known for their hyped up live show and love of a good time, the band have toured the world numerous times, supported some of the VERY biggest names in rock and always done it with a mischievous glint in their eyes. Currently on tour in the UK promoting latest album ‘Black Dog Barking’, we got a chance to sit down with guitarist Roadsy to find out more about these ever touring rockers.
HTF: Let’s not mess about here. What I really need to know is if it is true that you have a pub/bar on your tour bus?
Roadsy: Yes! in a way we do. We have a keg and tap machine, so we can pour ourselves a cold beer after every show. We also have a nice assortment of wine and single malt Whiskeys if you don’t feel like a beer.
HTF: You guys always seem to come across as pure optimists. From the music, to the stage persona, to how you come across in interviews. Would you say this is a fair assumption? If so how do you keep yourselves so upbeat?
R: We all seem to be pretty grounded and just focused on what we do. Always striving to be better at what we do, as a band etc. We don’t see ourselves as rock stars really haha! Just a bunch a blokes that love playing rock n roll!!
HTF: What a lot of people don’t realise is how boring it can get being constantly on the road, its not all sex, drugs, rock n’ roll (or is it?) what with the travelling, waiting around, etc so you can get that time onstage. How do you guys keep it together to stop the monotony creeping in?
R: There is a lot of down time in our job, or “hurry up and wait” as it is called in the industry. having a laptop and an external hard drive loaded with movies and tv series is a must have on the road. A few of us are gamer’s as well. That all helps pass the time inbetween shows, that and trying to get a good sleep.
HTF:You have gained a reputation as a definite live band putting on some nuts shows. Standout for me was Download with the climbing of the rigging in the pouring rain. How much shit did you get in for that? You obviously laughed it off as you are still all as insane.
R: Download the year Joel climbed in the rain was a memborable one. The only thing they did was cut the power on us When Joel was up the scaffolding, which in the end added to it being a great show. Some festivals haven’t said anything when we’ve done that and other’s have threatened to cut the show and let the police take action, but that hasn’t happened to us very much.
HTF:That has always stuck in my band but personally to you guys what would you say are your live highlights thus far in your career?
R: There’s been so many highlights throughout our career. Supporting the Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Status Quo, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, PLUS loads of great festivals around Europe and the UK, Wacken and Download and even being out on the road touring our third album ‘Black Dog Barking’ which has been a really successful tour.
HTF: Australia has pushed out some great bands over the years, is there anyone that you see at the moment and rate. Who you think could be the next breakout band? Also who are you digging worldwide at the moment?
R: I must say i’m a little out of the loop with the music scene back home for we spend alot of time away.
I love meeting new bands that we tour with Like our old buddy’s The Black Spiders and The Treatment and Orange Goblin who have been touring with us on our current tour. Volbeat are another band we have enjoyed touring with. Rammstein who i really enjoyed watching many times this year on the festival run through Europe, They put on an amazing live show.
HTF: 2013 saw you release you third full length proper ‘Black Dog Barking’. How have you found the response to it thus far and has it been a joy to get to play these live?
R: I think ‘Black Dog Barking’ has been perceived really well. I read lots of great reviews when it first came out and the songs have been going down really well live. They fit nice and snug into the set list with a mix of songs off the last two albums and they are great to play live.
HTF: Have you started thinking about the next record yet? If so what should we expect? Some crazed concept album dealing with the industrial revolution? A move into electro/goth or do you believe in balls to the wall rock n roll?
R: We are always putting idea’s down and recording riff’s etc on the road. Always looking ahead to the next album.
A band like us will never change style. We strive to make good rock songs and keep it flowing.
HTF: Whats the plans for 2014? Will you be hitting any of the UK festivals? Also which has been your favorite fest?
R: Yes we will be coming back over for the festival season and playing a load of them through the UK and Europe. Download this year was a pretty amazing show, having one of the biggest crowds to appear in front of us on the second stage.
HTF: You have now become one of those bands that people strive to be, what tips can you give those who want to follow in your footsteps?
R: I guess just stay true to yourselves as a band. Don’t let yourselves be walked over. Be willing to work hard and definitely don’t do it thinking you’l be a millionaire, Its not the 80’s anymore!!!!
HTF: And finally. For those who have never had the chance to listen to Airbourne. Why should people be listening to your band?
R: Like it love it or not! We love playing Rock n Roll and we strive to write and play the most energetic, fun enjoyable songs that we can. Rock n Roll is all about letting go and having a good time, which is what we want our fans to experience.
Interview by: Mikey Baird
