Airbourne

Airbourne Live at O2 Academy Birmingham – A Night of Pure Rock ‘n’ Roll Annihilation

Get ready to feel the thunder! Airbourne, the undisputed champions of high-octane, no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll, are set to descend upon Birmingham and tear up the legendary O2 Academy on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. This isn’t just another gig; it’s a full-throttle, ear-splitting, sweat-drenched celebration of everything that makes live music an electrifying experience. If you crave raw energy, blistering guitar solos, and anthems that will lodge themselves in your skull for weeks to come, then mark your calendars. Airbourne are bringing their signature brand of sonic assault to the heart of the Midlands, promising a night that will redefine your understanding of a rock show. Prepare for an onslaught of riffs, a deluge of drums, and a vocal performance that will leave you breathless and begging for more. This is your chance to witness a band at the peak of their powers, delivering a performance that is as authentic as it is explosive.

About Airbourne

Hailing from Warrnambool, Australia, Airbourne have carved a formidable reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts on the planet. Formed in 2001 by brothers Joel and Ryan O’Keeffe, alongside guitarists David Roads and Justin Callan, the band burst onto the scene with an unadulterated passion for classic hard rock. Their sound is a potent cocktail of AC/DC’s raw power, Rose Tattoo’s swagger, and a healthy dose of their own unique, adrenaline-fueled spirit. Their debut album, “Runnin’ Wild” (2007), immediately announced their arrival with a collection of blistering tracks that captured the essence of their live show. Tracks like “Runnin’ Wild” and “Too Much, Too Fast” became instant fan favourites, showcasing Joel O’Keeffe’s distinctive, gravelly vocals and the band’s relentless riff-driven attack.

Over the years, Airbourne have consistently delivered on their promise of uncompromising rock ‘n’ roll. Albums such as “No Guts. No Glory.” (2010), “Black Dog Barking” (2013), “Breakin’ Outta Hell” (2016), and their latest offering, “Boneshaker” (2019), have solidified their status as modern-day rock royalty. Each release is a testament to their unwavering dedication to the genre, featuring anthemic singalongs, thunderous drumming, and guitar work that will leave you stunned. Notable hits that have soundtracked countless mosh pits and stadium singalongs include the infectious “Live It Up,” the hard-hitting “Diamond in the Rough,” and the rebellious “Back in the Game.” Airbourne are not about reinventing the wheel; they are about taking the wheel, setting it on fire, and driving it at full throttle into the hearts of their adoring fans. Their commitment to delivering a pure, unadulterated rock experience has earned them a fiercely loyal following worldwide, and their live performances are legendary for their raw energy and sheer exhilaration.

Venue Information

O2 Academy Birmingham stands as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant live music scene, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. This historic venue has played host to countless legendary artists across a diverse range of genres, offering a prime setting for an unforgettable night of live music. With its standing floor area and tiered seating options, it provides a fantastic vantage point for experiencing the raw energy of a band like Airbourne. The venue boasts a powerful sound system and dedicated lighting rigs, ensuring that every note and every explosive moment of the performance is delivered with maximum impact. For complete venue details, including accessibility information and directions, please see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an assault on the senses when Airbourne take the stage. Their live shows are not merely performances; they are visceral, high-energy spectacles that leave audiences utterly exhilarated. Expect a setlist that cherry-picks the very best from their extensive catalogue, seamlessly blending fan-favourite anthems with newer material that carries the same electrifying punch. Tracks like the explosive “Live It Up” are guaranteed to ignite the crowd, prompting mass singalongs and a veritable sea of raised fists. You’ll also likely be treated to the relentless energy of “Runnin’ Wild,” the defiant roar of “Black Dog Barking,” and the sheer, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll fury of “Diamond in the Rough.”

Airbourne’s performance style is as raw and untamed as their music. Frontman Joel O’Keeffe is a whirlwind of energy, often seen climbing lighting rigs, chugging beer directly from the bottle mid-song, and engaging directly with the frenzied audience. His distinctive vocal delivery, a potent blend of grit and primal power, is matched by the relentless force of the band. Guitarists David Roads and Luke Domic often engage in blistering dual guitar solos that showcase their technical prowess, while Ryan O’Keeffe’s thunderous drumming provides the unshakeable backbone of their sound. Expect a relentless pace, a constant barrage of infectious riffs, and a genuine sense of rebellion that permeates every moment of their set. While the exact duration can vary, a typical Airbourne headline set clocks in at a substantial 90 minutes to two hours, packed to the brim with pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. They leave no stone unturned, no chord un-shredded, and no fan un-hyped.

FAQs

Q1: Will Airbourne play their biggest hits like “Live It Up” and “Runnin’ Wild”? Absolutely! Airbourne are renowned for delivering crowd-pleasing setlists that are packed with their most iconic anthems. You can rest assured that tracks like “Live It Up,” “Runnin’ Wild,” “Diamond in the Rough,” and “Black Dog Barking” will feature prominently, guaranteed to have you singing along at the top of your lungs.

Q2: What is Airbourne’s typical stage presence like? Airbourne are known for their incredibly energetic and visually captivating live performances. Frontman Joel O’Keeffe is a force of nature, often seen climbing stage equipment, interacting directly with the crowd, and embodying the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The band as a whole delivers a high-octane, no-holds-barred show that is as much a spectacle as it is a musical performance.

Q3: How long is an Airbourne set usually? While exact timings can vary, you can expect a substantial set from Airbourne, typically ranging from 90 minutes to two hours. They pack every moment with relentless energy and a barrage of their best material, ensuring a full and satisfying rock ‘n’ roll experience.

Q4: Is it likely that Airbourne will play songs from their latest album, “Boneshaker”? Yes, it’s highly probable that Airbourne will include tracks from their latest album, “Boneshaker,” in their setlist. Bands usually aim to showcase new material alongside their established hits, and “Boneshaker” contains some powerful tracks that translate exceptionally well to a live setting.

Q5: What kind of atmosphere can I expect at an Airbourne gig? Prepare for an electrifying and high-energy atmosphere! Airbourne gigs are renowned for their passionate crowds, mosh pits, and a shared sense of exhilaration. It’s a place where everyone comes together to celebrate the raw power and joy of live rock music. Be ready to be swept up in the frenzy!