OCTOBER 3rd, 2022
AIRBOURNE

Review by Metalllic Barbie
Photos Peter Ruttan

http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/airbourne/

“ Oh concerts: where have you been my last 2 years!! If there’s ever a show that makes you remember not only that you love live music, but you fucking crave it, it’s Airbourne. The energy was palpable even as local cover band Steel V began their set as first opener. Having warmed up the crowd’s chops with renditions of AC/DC and others, Steel V gave way to Detroit Michigan’s The Native Howl.  I just recently returned from hard rock fest Louder Than Life in Kentucky where I accidentally caught The Native Howl’s set and was blown away. The self-proclaimed “thrash grass” quartet have made the banjo the newest instrument to join the heavy music family. Accordions: there’s still hope for you!!

Lead singer and guitarist Alex Holycross, banjo slayer Jake Sawicki, and bassist Mark Chandler tore up the stage converting the masses with their crazy energy and even more insane riffage. These guys were made for the stage and despite being a drummer short, Holycross subbed in tapping a drum pedal all while holding down his typical duties.

Now on contract with Sumarian Records after winning Season 1 of Hit Parader’s No Cover battle, The Native Howl played their first release on the label, “Sons of Destruction”. They covered Metallica, and hit “Into The Dark We Ride”, fingers burning and eyes alight.
Talking with the crowd, not a single person knew who these guys were but that didn’t stop them from fist pumping, foot stomping, and moshing their little hearts out like they’ve been fans for years.

If people were mad for The Native Howl, they were certifiable for Airbourne. In typical fashion, Joel O’Keeffe (vocals, lead guitar), brother Ryan (drums), Justin Street (bass), and Jarrad Morrice (rhythm guitar) barrelled onto the stage and put pedal to the metal from note one.

Breaking into their set with “Ready To Rock”, they moved right into “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast”, and by song three Joel was in the crowd crushing beer cans with his head.  The band ripped through hits stretching back to the early days, including “Runnin’ Wild”, “Live It Up”, “Diamond In the Rough”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll for Life” and many more. I was tired for them in their relentless pursuit for the ultimate performance but the audience matched them step for step. The only breath Airbourne seemed to take was when they raised a Jack and Coke in honour of Lemmy before getting back to smashing ear holes. Joel was a brilliant front man, making Vancouver feel a special part of the Airbourne family with heartfelt comments and cheeky little jokes.
The Commodore saw a real rock show this night and despite her facelift, she will never look the same again after Steel V, The Native Howl and Airbourne came, played, and destroyed.