The Guitar Zombie Walkthrough - Joel O´Keeffe of Airbourne

Joel talks about his Gibson Explorer guitars and the selected amps he uses for the tour of 2017. At the end he shows us just how his six different heads and 12 cabs fired up together turns into "The Blended Whiskey Tone".

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

it's so refreshing to see a band still using old school stacks. Most of these gear walk through videos just end with the guitarist saying "Yeah this is my kemper."

[@MarneusCalgar42]

Kempers are gay.

[@frantisekvtelensky820]

+Awm Joeyjoejoe - I don't use Kempers etc. But I think that Kemper is cool for touring, still same consistence in sounds, no broken tubes etc. No problems. That's why it's been created and why bands use it. Audience don't care about what you use on stage. They came for great music. But for recording, almost every band still using their true amps. :) And actually when songs are great, I don't really care if it's recorded through amps or Kemper, Positive Grid etc. :)

[@matz1011]

The stacks are for the studio imo

[@mikedixon8830]

bvcderrttyyhjjjk until shipping costs outweigh looking like Malmsteen

[@MarcelvanderGraaff]

Instead of creating his tone with a pedal board he just simply combines multiple amps. That's awesome.

[@bluesjasonb]

That’s what rock is about that’s what I do no pedals pure tube amp and p90 sound

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

I don't need a distortion pedal, multiple amps to get serious distortion, not even big amps with big cabs. My Rig-A is Mesa-Boogie Triaxis preamp Marshall EL84-20/20 (2x20W) 2x Electrovoice TL806/EVM12L (1x12") Lexicon MPX-G2 Eventide Eclipse but if more power is needed, I can use the Marshall 9005 = 2x JCM800/50W Silver Jubilee power sections in a 19" rack. I own the 9001 preamp that was issued at the same time, but it's in the Rig-C together with a Soldano preamp... I can double the TL806 for even more punch and I can also use two pinewood cabs with Audax F30PA12 so I can have great sound while playing less loud as with the TL806s, moreover, these cabs are light while a TL806 weights 25kg... The Rig-A is freaking easy to move.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

​@@bluesjasonb: *_"That’s what rock is about"_* Depends on what you're playing!!! If it's for playing the blues, you don't even need an electric guitar, you need to go to Clarksdale on a full-Moon Friday 13th at midnight, wait for Baron Saturday at the Crossroad and sign a contract with your blood... You also need to carry your mojo with a dead man's finger, black cat's bones, John the conquerror roots, gravestone dust, etc etc etc.. If you're not initiated into Voodoo, forget about it... And frankly, American Voodoo is corrupted, it's all about black magic... If you're a real bluesman, you're cursed, that's what Blues is all about, and even f you're a hoochie-coochie man with a true huge one, the pretty women won't care about it, nowadays, they want money and the guy in gangsta rap has a better business teaming with the cartels than you'll ever do with your moonlighting and your gri-gris... Actually, SRV used an Ibanez Tube-Screamer overdrive, Billy Gibbons is super hi-tech, I even know dudes using a MXR Distortion+ on their harmonicas When it comes to rock, if you don't listen to dudes using stompboxes, you won't listen to many people : even Keith Richards used a fuzzbox on Satisfaction and there is fuzz all around with both Hendrix and Jimmy Page... What is rock all about? It has long lost any rebel flavour, you have billionaires collecting rock-stars guitars, I can't even get some guitars due to wealthy collectors interferences that end multiplying the prices of 2nd hand gear... Rock has long lost any rebel substance to rap which has also became corrupted...

[@epsilon6516]

Pedals are cheaper and quieter for most of us who don't have an unlimited budget, giant stage, good roadies, and no volume restrictions

[@Graham-mu1ul]

​@@Haroun-El-Poussahyou just run a lot of plug in stuff to get a sound, Airbourne dont Run any of that lexicon stuff Or Eventide crap, you ain't the same as Airbourne

[@smokesletsgo2374]

This band in a small venue will seriously blow your head off

[@nerffyb7298]

smokeslet'sgo seen them twice in a tiny club, the loudest band I've ever heard, and I've seen motorhead....

[@alexfarrington5040]

@@nerffyb7298 Hahah I've said this exact same thing! I was lucky enough to see Motorhead a few times, but I've only seen Airbourne once. It's a whole other kind of loud. Motorhead is like being run over by a big heavy truck - you feel that all the way through to the core of your being. Airbourne is a very high-end ear-bleeding loud. Their energy is just incredible, and it's really easy to get swept up in the show - great fun band :)

[@walleye306]

@@alexfarrington5040 like getting hit by a stock car at Mach Jesus eh? I ain’t seen em live but that’s the feeling I get when I play them in my car haha

[@josephbuckley5961]

@@walleye306 seen airbourne 5 times in small venues my ears are kinda funked lol. First band I ever seen live lol good and bad choice haha

[@RemodelingByRy]

Cant wait to see them in Mpls at The 7th Street Entry.... tiny place ooofff!

[@nickm.9474]

Actually. The Butcher was picked up in a guitar center in Cherry Hill NJ. Along with a Peavey 4x12. I was with them on thier 1st US tour. Joel was in there looking for another Explorer because he had messed his number 1 up. I remember him basically climbing up the wall to grab it. Then he plugs it in and rails the amp and just completely goes off. It was freaking awesome. hahaha. Joel also picked up his White Falcon on that tour. I forget where exactly but we searched every town we went to for one. He bled all over that thing the first show he played it at. Good times.

[@ClausWeiergang]

Great story ...Thanks.

[@thelolguy007]

I like Joel. He plays with such energy & attitude. Plus I like his tone - lead too - lots or grit and in your face. A Rockin dude 🤘

[@TheWidetip]

Loved that ramblin' about that jacket

[@lizzyobrien2376]

I feel like we should help him find his leather jacket. No one steals that from a man!

[@ThatModernGamer95]

I second this. I would be fuming as well if someone pinched mine

[@Pumpmaster77]

It's so nice to hear an artist talk plainly about how they do what they do. The beer top volume knob is so cool! Thanks Fredrik for a great interview.

[@danielpetrucci8952]

That Tone is so AC/DC like and I love it

[@stevedixon8567]

I stood right of front of that for their Manchester gig. Joel had the greatest rock guitar sound i've ever heard, with it. The video doesn't do it justice. There was more guitar volume coming off the stage than out of the PA. Proper old school. It might seem like a gimmick, having all those stacks, but holy hell, what a sound

[@SoloDallas]

Very nice Fred! I had seen this up close first person. I was hoping you'd show us the back of the amps too - that's where our Schaffer Replica lives! Thanks, SoloDallas ;)

[@TheMusicalElitist]

One of the best AC/DC covers bands out there.

[@JoneHoftun]

Seen airbourne live twice now, and i honest to god never thought that they used all those amps, really thought it was just for show like alot of bands do :o

[@licksnkicks1166]

I love Airborne. One of my most favourite bands. Hardbone is too

[@drebyn128]

I love Hardbone

[@valeriotagliaferri2125]

I like bands who don't love pedals and AIRBOURNE is one of them!!! Love their music!

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

Racks are so much better.

[@thematurefamily.production9078]

I love how when he turned the amps on it was like an aircraft was about to take off...even made the sound haha..

[@MichaelCoffman]

My favorite part. You hear the hiss increase each time he takes one off standby, and you already know what it’s going to sound like but it’s still freaking glorious anyway!

[@shaneshane1379]

You guys have been Rocking my head down here in Texas. Awesome sound, badass metal....

[@Khurrum07]

Saw these guys live last week - awesome & the guys themselves are so incredibly nice

[@xjohn1970]

Killer. So much cooler than a big pedal board. Great guitar setup. Best Band out. Airborne!!

[@martincockburn6821]

Most Aussie rig rundown ever... Nice work mate 🤘

[@antsman88]

I'm waiting for him to smash that coke can into his head and throw it out to the crowd.

[@vladlaktionov2939]

He is just fantastic!

[@alessiozini6621]

respect for the sea shepard shirt! \m/

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Great video. I love the Peavey. They make some of the best sounding amps. The 5150, the new XXX just smokes it and most people don't even know about the 3120's Smokin Tone...Love this band...

[@SwedishGuitarNerd]

Bra jobbat att få till den rigg-genomgången. Skön kille!

[@dirkdiggler5902]

Love his no-bullshit attitude

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

That white Explorer man. That white Explorer. Love it. These dudes throw it the F' down...

[@davidede7778]

13:54 that TONE!

[@chrys6041]

He is gorgeous!! I'm in love with him!!

[@Manzanium]

-Hey Joel, which Marshall model would you like to gig with? Joel: - Yes

[@redfishking401]

Sure as hell sounds good brother!

[@willtheww2collector742]

love the Marshall amps. Also love the Rammstein in the background lol

[@c.o.s2997]

Fantástico !!!!! esse cara é muito bom.....Show de bola....

[@thowps3]

very good o'keeffe, support Sea Shepherd!! 👍👍👍

[@Hushman61]

massive australian accent ! this dude seems so cool haha

[@Crbn46]

"cause he took me fackin leather jacket" i fucking love this man (nohomo)

[@RipVDub]

Classic sound with classic tools: turn down the bottle cap for rhythm and crank it up for lead - rinse and repeat. Appreciated! #rockwillneverdie

[@Jayeadgbe]

No earplugs at the end? My god. My one ear is wrecked from playing too close to a 50W half stack without earplugs at a jam one night, let alone 6x 100W full stacks... That distorted "crack" with first hit of the strings (before the mic compression kicks in) is exactly what your eardrums would be hearing the whole time

[@davidede7778]

9:28 Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down so I can understand... so, you're saying that Marshall is very Marshall and Wizard is very Wizard??

[@playguitarlessons7000]

rock and roll baby yeah........................

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Joel is as Aussie as fuck. Saw them in a small venue in Geelong a few years ago, they were loud as hell. For the final song Joel dimed the amp and it was overwhelming. Just ran his finger under all the knobs and racked them all to 10. The sound guy just abandoned the desk and went outside for a smoke. I couldn't hear for about three days afterwards, felt like I had a wet towel wrapped around my ears.

[@tbeard5458]

I saw Airbourne several years ago and made the mistake of being on the barricade, right in front of that same stack. I thought they heads and cabs were for show, like most other bands. Man I was mistaken. Their guitar tech came onto the stage and did exactly the same as Joel at 13:22, but across the other row of stacks as well. The hiss itself was loud, let alone when they started playing. It was by FAR the loudest sound I've ever experienced. I was deaf the whole day after, and I still have mild tinnitus over 6 years later. Earplugs next time I think...

[@Nghilifa]

You went to a Rock gig WITHOUT earplugs? I guess you like to live dangerous!

[@tylerscott7075]

By far one of my favorite bands. Joel is what happens when you throw bon Scott and Brian Johnson and angus in a blender together

[@Hindukushsailing]

Great band !!!!!!

[@grahamcox8385]

Airbourne and acdc, ambassadors for marshall stacks lol 👍😎🇦🇺

[@petershortland478]

The point of Airbourne is basicly No Bullshit just Pure Rock N'Roll. They so good live brilliant entertainers as well

[@ace9566061]

I am 99% sure that is my old butcher head. I traded it into a Guitar Center in Kansas City years ago and my buddy working there said someone famous bought it but never go t word on who bought it. Would be cool if I could see the Serial number on it to see if it is my old head.

[@Powerage12]

Rock'n'Roll !!!!

[@ChicagoRob2]

Holy Jesus. That’s it, right there.

[@danielpetrucci8952]

That Falcon looks awsome

[@ShredSixx80s]

That peavey was the heaviest competitor against the jcm 800 and that peavey was one of the most loudest most gainy head back in the 80's along metaltroncs head.

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

loud sound comes from the speakers sensitivity as well as their multiplication, even cabinets can participate, you can build compression chambers weighting half a ton that will generate 110dB wth just 1 Watt! Decibels are not electric power...

[@cautiousflare3097]

What the song called at the begening of the video

[@RandyFricke]

My $49 Tone City Golden Plexi does the same thing...

[@andrewdomonic6603]

This guy is so Nigel. It's hilarious.

[@ThatsBadTV]

Wow i want it.. i want it all lol

[@lasse1436]

5:27 mi fuckn jacket😂

[@lucasferreirademelo6787]

Avante Airbourne 🇧🇷.

[@Legatus12345]

Fucking legend!!

[@tomflake6141]

His first two guitars he showed didn't have a toggle switch. Is the neck pickup even wired up?

[@aylanicole777]

Nope. Both guitarists only use the bridge pickup.

[@XPhantomLord]

Pussies wire neck pickups

[@smokejumper3]

Love this guy! To badass! Ha

[@figzor]

Good reason why Mal stopped playing his.

[@ytrezazerty1]

Je kiffe ce mec....

[@2204as]

Why are only two cabs miced?

[@thematurefamily.production9078]

Because cabs are miced only for live recordings or for casting the sound through the main speakers..there is no point micing more,,

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Does this band still exist?

[@pointnozzleaway]

Real Deal ..yeah !

[@joshi666]

Meanwhile, me trying to achieve that tone with a Kemper feeling like a complete fool....

[@ddub2023]

Fuckin awesome !!

[@frankford1115]

How Australian is he? Brilliant! It just sounds better being called a c$&@ in Australian. Sounds like a normal bloke. Great stuff!

[@StinkyRotorhead]

whats the song in the beginning called i have never actually heard it hahahaha

[@stevstevhoov8288]

BRING ROADSY BACK !! !! !! - YA WANKERS !!

[@guitarbeaver9819]

Beer cap works better than grip tape

[@TeachFK_Gaming]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he likes Marshall

[@bpcborja]

what humbuckers?

[@Deadgo-yf9zg]

D...G...fuckin' C... whatever it is... I love it.

[@kenaiello4851]

Low friction pots?? hmm sounds like a plan :)

[@alexaiano11]

Love how he calls all of his guitars "she"! Haha

[@kikkauazza]

And you can still hear how??!?

[@jamiemcatee302]

Mikey G after around three days you begin to be able to hear sgain

[@ThirdEye3pic]

Spend life savings on Marshall amps, got you

[@ritualsofthedarksun]

What string gauge does he play?

[@MichaelD8393]

Can’t find that anywhere online, so I would imagine 10-46.

[@kurtraymondvaagen]

Ernie Hybrid Slinky on the Malcolm Gretsch, D'Addario 10-46 on Harri's maybe Joel uses the same.

[@obst7759]

I want an explorer.

[@cautiousflare3097]

when he said the whole guitar is in D he means D standard

[@armando181000]

Top

[@kerrymathieson1237]

U rock portland

[@minamideguchi]

LETS TALK ABOUT AMPS.

[@bodhidharma2600]

🌞🌞🌞

[@pedraw]

Sorry but the Peavey Butcher was released in 2010.......................jus' sayin'........

[@robinouhood]

wtf, who filmed this... Ronin ? Movi ? It's fuckin shaky, blured...

[@josepablocruzhuerta7095]

The guitar it's my mom my sister my wife my daughter my soul my Hart you know I hope the good musician know habut It's hotter level of energy I dificol to handset end 😆 Jose Pablo Cruz Hurta 🎼📈🎼🎵🎶🐈

[@nidgeontour257]

Melbourne bitter and the black one is a Melbourne Guinness! 😂😂

[@santoslhalper6116]

Good vid except for the motion sickness

[@thelukedaly]

Are all of those heads running at the same time?

[@philipnilsson7560]

Luke Garza yes thay are! So does all the cabs.

[@lizzyobrien2376]

Luke Garza I've watched these guys live. Those are seriously running all the time, and this band, as many have said before me, will blast your head clean off from the sound alone!

[@Nghilifa]

Yes, but the sound that you hear is only from the two that ar mic'ed up. So that whole wall of amps/cabs is basically just for him. It doesn't make a difference for the audience at the show, perhaps unless you're at the very front against the barricade.

[@MultiAdam1969]

Gear review Australian style :) !!!!!!!!

[@runingblackbear]

you need a es 355 stereo Gibson for shits and grins just saying \m/

[@bretpieper5680]

VB 🤮 other then that great band Brett from Wollongong 👌👍🍺

[@KellyVision]

FUNNIEST INTERVIEW WITH AIRBOURNE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnuapXRmf65kfbs

[@outlawhead]

And that is why they are the loudest Band on stage, 2nd to None now Motorhead are no more. Fuck i hated saying that .

[@thematurefamily.production9078]

AC/DC....

[@outlawhead]

used to be, sadly no more ,

[@bclmax]

stock pickups on the guitars? string guage?

[@christ4613]

standerd (d)

[@rareform6747]

WTF .... Lets do it . Hate in ears anyway .. Love Black and DSL 2000's !

[@Matt-ke4bp]

Holy crap! 13:55 = the V8 sound of the guitar world