Runnin' Wild

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Runnin' Wild" by Airbourne, a high-octane track from their debut album, mistakenly referenced here as "Back in the Game" but actually from the 2007 album Runnin' Wild. This song is a staple for Zoo Freaks, with its raw energy and rebellious spirit. One piece of trivia comes from the song’s music video, which features a guest appearance by Motörhead’s legendary Lemmy Kilmister. In the video, Lemmy drives a truck with Airbourne performing in the back while being chased by the LAPD. The band shared in a 2008 interview with Metal Hammer that working with Lemmy was a surreal moment, as they grew up idolizing Motörhead. Joel O’Keeffe recalled Lemmy’s no-nonsense attitude on set, saying, “He just showed up, did his thing, and left us starstruck.” The video ends with Lemmy locking the cops in the truck, a nod to his larger-than-life persona.

Another tidbit about "Runnin' Wild" is its heavy presence in pop culture. The song has been featured in numerous video games, including Madden NFL 08, NASCAR 09, NHL 09, and The Crew 2. It was also used in a commercial for Battlefield: Bad Company and as downloadable content for Rock Band. In a post on their Facebook page in 2018, Airbourne celebrated the song’s 10th anniversary, noting how it became a fan favorite at live shows, often sparking mosh pits and crowd singalongs. They shared a story from a gig in Melbourne where fans climbed the venue’s rafters during the song, causing a brief pause to ensure everyone’s safety. The band’s X account has also retweeted fan videos of "Runnin' Wild" performances, showcasing its enduring appeal.

Airbourne’s journey began in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, where brothers Joel and Ryan O’Keeffe formed the band in late 2003. Growing up in a household filled with classic rock, they were heavily influenced by bands like AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, and The Angels. Joel, the lead vocalist and guitarist, and Ryan, the drummer, started jamming in their teens, playing covers at local pubs like the Criterion Hotel. In a 2017 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Joel mentioned how they’d sneak into gigs as underage kids to watch bands, soaking up the raw energy of live rock. By 2004, they were joined by David Roads on rhythm guitar and Justin Street on bass, solidifying their lineup. That year, they self-funded their first EP, Ready to Rock, which caught local attention after they won a band competition in Melbourne called Push-On.

The band’s big break came in 2006 when they traveled to the United States to record Runnin' Wild with producer Bob Marlette, known for working with Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper. Despite being dropped by Capitol Records before the album’s release, Airbourne signed with Roadrunner Records for international distribution, and the album hit charts in Australia, the UK, and the US. Their relentless touring, including support slots for Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock, built their reputation as a must-see live act. Fans can connect with Airbourne through their Instagram, where they post tour updates and behind-the-scenes content, or join discussions on the Airbourne Fans Facebook group, a community of over 5,000 members sharing concert photos and memorabilia.

For more about Airbourne, check out their official website at airbournerock.com. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they engage with fans and announce new music. Fan-driven spaces like the Airbourne Fans Facebook group and fan sites such as Encyclopaedia Metallum offer deeper dives into the band’s discography and history. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a new listener, "Runnin' Wild" captures Airbourne’s unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll ethos, born from small-town roots and a love for the genre’s giants.