Artists / Bands from Australia (20)
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (23)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (17)
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (5)
Popular Rock Artists and Bands from Australia
Australia has a legendary rock history, producing some of the world’s most influential bands and artists. From hard rock and alternative to indie and punk, Australian rock has left a lasting impact on global music. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular rock artists and bands from Australia.
1. AC/DC
AC/DC is arguably Australia’s most iconic rock band, formed in Sydney in 1973. Known for high-voltage riffs, hard rock anthems, and electrifying performances, they are true rock legends.
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Fun Fact: Their album Back in Black (1980) is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.
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Did You Know? AC/DC’s signature sound was largely shaped by guitarist Angus Young’s schoolboy-uniform stage persona and electrifying riffs.
2. INXS
INXS was an Australian rock/new wave band formed in Sydney in 1977. They blended rock, funk, and pop, achieving global fame in the 1980s and 1990s.
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Trivia: Their album Kick (1987) sold over 20 million copies worldwide and included hits like “Need You Tonight.”
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Did You Know? INXS won multiple ARIA Awards and toured extensively, sharing stages with bands like U2 and Simple Minds.
3. Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1972. Known for politically charged lyrics and socially conscious themes, they became a voice for environmental and Indigenous issues.
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Fun Fact: Their hit “Beds Are Burning” (1987) became an international anthem advocating Indigenous land rights.
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Did You Know? Midnight Oil famously performed shirtless in the 1985 Oz for Africa concert at Live Aid, symbolizing their raw energy and passion.
4. Jet
Jet is an Australian garage rock band formed in Melbourne in 2001. Known for reviving classic rock sounds in the 2000s, they gained worldwide attention with their debut album.
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Trivia: Their song “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” (2003) became a global hit and a rock radio staple.
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Did You Know? Jet’s sound is heavily influenced by 1960s and 1970s rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
5. Wolfmother
Wolfmother is an Australian hard rock band formed in Sydney in 2000. Known for their heavy riffs, psychedelic influences, and energetic performances, they revived classic rock for modern audiences.
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Fun Fact: Their self-titled debut album Wolfmother (2005) won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
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Did You Know? Wolfmother is often compared to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath for their retro rock sound, but with a modern twist.
Australia’s rock scene is legendary, from global icons like AC/DC and INXS to modern rock revivalists like Jet and Wolfmother. These bands showcase Australia’s enduring impact on rock music worldwide.
