Get ready to crank the volume on your holiday playlist because Airbourne has just dropped a cheerfully indecent, full throttle rock track called “Christmas Bonus.” The new single is a loud, trademark blast of pure holiday mischief that only the Australian four piece could deliver. The track was brought to life by a top notch team, produced by Brian Howes, tracked by Karl Dicaire, mixed by Zakk Cervini, and mastered by Ted Jensen, and it features a high energy animated video directed by Ryan Ortgiesen. The band had a clear goal: create a Christmas song that sounds exclusively like Airbourne.
The single is a classic mix of unrelenting rhythm and playful, tongue in cheek humor. Lead vocalist Joel O’Keeffe dives into the holiday spirit with irreverent lines like, “You’re so damn good you make Santa come twice,” planting the song firmly in a space where sleigh bells meet sweat drenched guitars. The production work emphasizes tight rhythm, huge choruses, and a raw edge, giving “Christmas Bonus” the momentum of a pub completely packed on Christmas Eve. The lyrics race through shots of Yuletide chaos, mentioning “the boys are drinkin’ and the girls are singin’,” with the snow “fallin’ all around” as the celebration intensifies.
The song even includes a salute to action cinema, with O’Keeffe signing off, “Yippee Ki Yah! motherfucker, Merry Christmas, everybody!” Airbourne has always embraced a nononsense approach, and this new song proudly celebrates their allergy to subtlety. The core group of Joel O’Keeffe, Ryan O’Keeffe, Justin Street, and Brett Tyrrell are carrying forward a sound forged in their Warrnambool family home in the early 2000s, reflecting a deep admiration for hard rock pioneers like AC/DC, The Angels, Billy Thorpe, and Rose Tattoo.
After building success in Melbourne and signing a major five album deal with Capitol Records and EMI Music Australia in 2005, Airbourne expanded their reputation by supporting icons such as Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, and The Rolling Stones, becoming one of Australia’s most successful hard rock exports. With “Christmas Bonus,” they offer a loud, rowdy seasonal anthem perfect for late nights and raised glasses.