Raise the Flag

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the high-octane track Raise the Flag by Airbourne from their 2010 album No Guts. No Glory. for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a fist-pumping anthem, packed with the band’s signature AC/DC-inspired energy. In a 2010 interview with Metal Hammer, frontman Joel O’Keeffe described Raise the Flag as a call to arms for rock fans, saying it’s about “standing tall and fighting for what you love—pure rock ‘n’ roll.” The track’s Judas Priest-like guitar riffs, as noted in a WordPress review, give it a distinctive edge, making it a standout on the album. It also found its way into the 2012 video game Twisted Metal, amplifying its rebellious spirit in virtual chaos.

Another tidbit comes from a 2011 post on Airbourne’s Facebook, where the band shared behind-the-scenes footage of the Raise the Flag music video shoot. They revealed how they rigged a massive flagpole on a soundstage and nearly set the place on fire with pyrotechnics gone wild, much to the crew’s panic. Fans on the band’s X account have since hailed the song as a live show staple, with one user in 2020 tweeting about Joel crowd-surfing during a performance in Sydney, screaming the chorus while fans waved makeshift flags. The song’s raw power and “fight for rock” vibe, as PopMatters put it, make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited, vinyl-spinning ethos.

Airbourne hails from Warrnambool, Australia, formed in 2003 by brothers Joel O’Keeffe (vocals/lead guitar) and Ryan O’Keeffe (drums). Growing up in a small town, the brothers were steeped in their dad’s classic rock records—think AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, and The Angels. As Joel told Kerrang! in 2008, they started jamming in their garage, sneaking beers and dreaming of stadiums. By their teens, they were sneaking into pubs to play gigs, often getting kicked out for being underage. Rhythm guitarist David Roads joined soon after, and the lineup was completed when Ryan met bassist Justin Street rolling down sand dunes, drunk, in their hometown—a story Airbourne still laughs about on their Instagram.

The band’s big break came with their 2004 self-funded EP Ready to Rock, which caught the ear of local promoters. By 2006, they were opening for The Rolling Stones and Mötley Crüe, and their debut album Runnin’ Wild (2007) landed them a deal with Roadrunner Records. Their relentless touring and raw, unpolished sound earned them the “Best New Band” title from Classic Rock Magazine in 2008. Airbourne’s no-frills approach—big riffs, bigger hooks, and lyrics about booze and good times—has kept them a favorite among hard rock purists.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Airbourne’s official website for tour dates and merch. Stay connected on their Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, like recent teases of new music. Fans can also join the Airbourne Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where members share bootleg live recordings and debate the band’s best albums. Another gem is Metal Storm’s Airbourne page, a fan-driven site with detailed discographies and trivia for diehards.