Airbourne Announce Self-Titled Album 'Airbourne' With Tribute to Lemmy and Release 'Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)' Video

Airbourne have announced their new self-titled album “Airbourne”, set for release on August 28, 2026 via Spinefarm.

The announcement arrives alongside the release of the first single “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)” and its accompanying music video.

The band revealed the album through a personal letter addressed to Lemmy Kilmister, reflecting on his influence and guidance throughout their career.

In the message, frontman Joel O’Keeffe recalls Lemmy’s advice to stay true to their identity and focus on making music that resonates beyond industry expectations.

The album itself stands as both a continuation of that philosophy and a tribute to his legacy.

“Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)” emerged from time spent on the road, with its lyrics shaped after touring during the recording process.

The track represents the band’s return with material rooted in their core rock and roll approach.

“Airbourne” was developed over several years, with the band dedicating extensive time to writing, revising, and refining the material.

The process included collaborations with:
Robert “Mutt” Lange
Bryan Adams
Vick Wright
Brian Howes

Recording took place at Music Farm Studios in Australia, followed by additional sessions at Hothouse Studios in Melbourne.

The album features:
Production: Brian Howes
Mixing: Zakk Cervini
Mastering: Ted Jensen

Engineering contributions include Mike Fraser and Karl Dicaire.

The sessions were marked by intense and unconventional conditions, including extreme weather, technical challenges, and a remote recording environment.

Despite setbacks, the band completed the album through a combination of studio work and time spent touring.

TRACKLIST — “AIRBOURNE”
Gutsy
Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)
Here She Comes
Kid In A Candy Store
Sky High
Who Put The Rhythm In You?
Christmas Bonus
Last Man Standing
Rock ‘N’ Roll Ya
Bogotá
Hells Got No Vacancy
Send Me To Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven

Before finalizing the album, Airbourne followed Lemmy’s advice and played the record to their crew.

According to the band, the response confirmed they had achieved what they set out to do.

“Airbourne” represents a new chapter for the band, developed over several years and shaped by both their history and continued commitment to their sound.

Dear Lemmy,

Well, mate, it’s been a long time since we’ve said “g’day” or shared a stage together.

We’ve never forgotten one of the things you said to us, which was: “No matter what, stay true to yourselves. Don’t worry about all the other bullshit in the music industry. Make music that your roadies will like. Because they’ve heard your shit more than anyone else, if they like it, everyone will love it.”

Mate, we did it.

Six years ago, we shut the roller doors to everyone and got to work writing songs for this record, spending many, many hours, many, many days, weeks, months, and years writing and writing, throwing things out, starting again, and always sifting for gold.

After about five years of this, we felt that we had a solid bunch of Rock’n’Roll songs happening. Then, Mutt Lange and Bryan Adams brought in their big guns, and a couple of those songs we wrote with them have made the record.

We sent everything to Brian Howes, and he said we have a solid record now.

Dante from Spinefarm, who has been a real champion all along the way on this record, gave us the green light to make 'Airbourne.'

We shipped out a ton of gear and drove it to Music Farm Studios, hidden in a jungle on the surf coast of Australia.

We coped with hurricane weather, flash flooding rains, and palm trees that were torn out of the ground.

The tape machine was a fucker. It wouldn’t stop blowing up, but she sounded great.

Every day we would wake up, jump over a brown snake or python, feed the pigs, say “g’day” to the goats…

We’d make our way down the hill to the studio… then Brian Howes, Mike Fraser, and Karl Dicaire would show up.

For about 12-16 hours, we would go. Time ceased to exist for us, and it was the best fun we’ve ever had making an album.

The last batch of songs we wrote with Brian around the Studio Kitchen table…

The main console was the original Neve desk from Albert Studios (AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, Billy Thorpe and more).

We didn’t finish the record in time… and that’s exactly what happened with the song “Alive After Death.”

We came back after the tour to Hothouse Studios in Melbourne…

Zakk Cervini joined the team and mixed the record, and Ted Jensen mastered it.

So, we finally ripped off the Band-Aid and played it to the roadies… and they love this one!

Thanks again for all of your words back then, mate. We’ve never forgotten them, and we wouldn’t be here without ya.

We’ll always keep you "Alive After Death."

Rock on, Lem.

Much Love,
Joel O’Keeffe

This letter not only introduces the album, but also captures the influence Lemmy had on Airbourne’s identity and approach to rock and roll.

Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist

Photo Credit: PR Brown

Watch “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)” below: