Back in the Game

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the high-octane track "Back in the Game" by Airbourne from their 2013 album Black Dog Barking for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a fist-pumping anthem of resilience, with lyrics that paint a picture of a determined comeback after a tough journey. According to a 2020 analysis on Musixmatch, the track’s themes revolve around overcoming obstacles, with metaphors like "breaking hearts" and "kicking ass" symbolizing an unstoppable return to glory. The song’s arena-sized energy makes it a perfect fit for live performances, and fans on Amazon reviews have praised its "Cinderella-sounding" vibe, noting its blood-pumping riffs and Joel O’Keeffe’s gritty vocals. One reviewer even highlighted how the song’s defiant spirit echoes the band’s ethos of never backing down, a sentiment that resonates with Airbourne’s loyal fanbase.

Delving into the song’s production, "Back in the Game" showcases Airbourne’s knack for blending raw power with a polished edge. A 2013 review from Metal Obsession pointed out the album’s Mutt Lange-style production influence, reminiscent of classic AC/DC records like Highway to Hell. This track, in particular, has been lauded for its stadium-rock feel, with crowd-chanting backing vocals that evoke Def Leppard’s anthemic hits. In a 2014 interview snippet referenced on Wikipedia, Joel O’Keeffe mentioned the band poured intense effort into Black Dog Barking, working through holidays to capture authentic, undying tones. Fans on the Airbourne Facebook page have shared stories of headbanging to this track at live shows, with one post recalling a 2013 European tour where the song’s opening riff sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Airbourne’s journey began in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, where brothers Joel and Ryan O’Keeffe formed the band in late 2003. Joel, born around 1982, had been playing guitar since age 11, while Ryan, born around 1985, picked up drums at the same age. Their early days were steeped in the raw energy of Australian rock, drawing inspiration from legends like AC/DC, The Angels, and Rose Tattoo. According to their bio on Wikipedia, the O’Keeffe brothers started as a three-piece with bassist Luke McKenzie, performing under the name Airborne at local venues like the Criterion Hotel. By 2003, David Roads joined on rhythm guitar, and the band won a statewide competition called Push-On in Melbourne, solidifying their potential. In 2004, they self-released an eight-track EP, Ready to Rock, which became a collector’s item, as noted by Last.fm. The addition of Justin Street on bass in 2004 completed their early lineup, setting the stage for their debut album, Runnin’ Wild, in 2007.

The band’s relentless drive and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll spirit propelled them onto the global stage. Their official website, airbournerock.com, serves as a hub for tour dates, merch, and updates, while their Facebook page buzzes with fan interactions and throwback photos from their early gigs. On Instagram, Airbourne shares behind-the-scenes shots and clips of their electrifying live performances, often tagged with #BlackDogBarking by fans. Their X account keeps the conversation raw, posting about new music and responding to fan tweets. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the Airbourne Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where members share concert experiences and rare band memorabilia. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s presence on platforms like Last.fm offers a space for fans to track their music and join discussions about tracks like "Back in the Game."