When Rock3 offered me the chance to cover the Airbourne and Stone Gods gig, including an interview with the latter, I practically tore their hand off. Had I anticipated such an amazing night, including meeting Airbourne’s Joel (purely by accident but who’s complaining?), I would have thrown in some begging on bended knees too. Having interviewed the Stone Gods (quite possibly the nicest men in rock today) photographer James and I loitered at the back of the Academy watching the warm up act, Sound and Fury warming up. Airbourne’s Joel came over and introduced himself to us which was great and typical of the friendly aussie, we had to laugh when the security wouldn't let Joel backstage until he had dug out his artist pass!

Hot from their well deserved Classic Rock Magazine ‘best new band’ award, headliners Airbourne had a stage backdrop of Marshall amps worthy of their own tour bus.


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Joel barely touched the ground as he came on stage, spraying beer and stripped to the waist, sporting an impressive six-pack and strutting with his famous white Gibson explorer. Opening with Rock and Roll, Airbourne showed their high energy and love for their craft. The floor ahead of them were bouncing, compelled, and up for it.


Diamond in the Rough (review) saw the band jumping and skipping about the stage with relentless vigour, and the synchronised movements and music during 'Girls in Black' demonstrated their pure classic rock quality. The pit was moshing, Joel changed guitar to the black horned Gibson SG and James got a great photo of Joel with the upright horns on the SG.

Joel was clearly enjoying himself and at one stage leapt down into the moat playing his Gibson SG at the same time. I was guilty of some Stella-induced dancing of my own during 'Cheap Wine, Cheaper Women'. The lighting engineer did an amazing job of showcasing these award winning rockers, and their consistency more than satisfied their fans at this mind blowing performance.

Airbourne are truly awesome, an experience to behold. The Stone Gods are at the beginning of what promises to be a phenomenal career, and Sound and Fury did themselves proud. As Airbourne move on to Japan, you can catch The Stone Gods as they tour with Black Stone Cherry next month. If Rock3 are willing, I will be there with my best dancing shoes on. If you consider yourself a rock lover I’ll see you there!

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Interview with Airbourne

Stone Gods live Review & Interview

©Meriel Flavell 2008