While nothing is locked in, drummer Ryan O’Keeffe confirmed discussions are under way that could lead to the hard rock band playing at the Whalers Hotel in July.

“I can’t confirm or deny that,” he began with a laugh. 

“Let’s just say nothing’s been put on paper yet but it’s been discussed.

“In this industry stuff gets moved around a bit but (a Warrnambool gig) has definitely been talked about.”

If it did happen, it would be the first time Airbourne has played a gig in Warrnambool since December, 2006, when they rocked a crowd of 200 people at the Criterion Hotel.

“I still remember that gig — that was one of the gigs that really sticks in your head,” O’Keeffe recalled.

“I clearly remember Scott Patten climbing on to the PA, jumping off and doing a somersault into the ceiling fan,” he laughed.

O’Keeffe said there was “a small window (in July) for us to pop back (to Australia) and do a few shows before we go (overseas) again”.

Airbourne is about to return to North America to play 17 shows in four weeks ahead of the release of their third album Black Dog Barking, which is due out May 21. 

Then in June, the four-piece — O’Keeffe, his frontman brother Joel, bassist Justin Street and rhythm guitarist David Roads — will be back in Europe to play a series of major outdoor festivals, including Metalfest, Impact, Rock im Park, Rock am Ring and Sonisphere.

Airbourne has been off the road for almost a year-and-a-half, during which they spent a lot of time in North America recording the album with Brian Howes.

mneal@fairfaxmedia.com.au