Famous Australian Rock Singers

Michael Hutchence was an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the co-founder, lead singer, and lyricist of the rock band INXS. He played a key role in the band's success, which included selling over 50 million records worldwide and being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Hutchence also ventured into solo projects and acting, notably in films such as "Dogs in Space" and "Frankenstein Unbound." His professional life was marked by musical achievements, collaborations, and a significant impact on the music industry.

Bon Scott was an Australian singer and songwriter known as the second lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980. He started his musical career as a drummer and occasional lead vocalist in various bands before joining AC/DC. With the band, he performed on their first seven albums, including the successful "Highway to Hell." Following his tragic death, AC/DC recruited Brian Johnson and released the iconic album "Back in Black" as a tribute to Scott.

Rick Springfield is an accomplished Australian-American musician and actor. He began his career as a member of the band Zoot before embarking on a successful solo career with hits like "Jessie's Girl" and "Affair of the Heart". As an actor, Springfield has appeared in films such as "Hard to Hold" and TV series like "General Hospital" and "True Detective". He has also written an autobiography and made guest appearances on various TV shows, showcasing his versatility in both music and acting.

Peter Garrett is an Australian musician, environmentalist, activist, and former politician. He gained fame as the lead singer of Midnight Oil, known for his distinctive bald head and captivating stage presence. Garrett later served as President of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and was elected to the House of Representatives for Kingsford Smith. He held various ministerial positions in the Australian government, focusing on environmental issues and education. Garrett received several prestigious awards for his advocacy work in environmental conservation and protection.

John Williamson AM is an accomplished Australian country and folk music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, television host, and conservationist. With a career spanning decades, he is known for writing and performing songs that celebrate Australia's history and culture, particularly the outback. Williamson has released numerous albums, videos, DVDs, and lyric books, selling over 4,000,000 albums in Australia. His iconic hit "True Blue" has garnered widespread acclaim. Recognized for his contributions, he has received prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia, Golden Guitar trophies, and ARIA Music Awards.

Nick Allbrook is an accomplished Australian musician, renowned for his work in the psychedelic rock genre. As the frontman of Pond and part of the musical duo Allbrook/Avery, he has captivated audiences with his distinctive vocals and songwriting skills. Having been a touring member of Tame Impala before his departure in 2013, Allbrook has established himself as a versatile and talented artist within the music industry, earning recognition for his contributions to various projects and collaborations.

Bernard Fanning is an Australian musician and singer-songwriter known for his work as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Powderfinger. He began his music career at a young age, eventually dropping out of university to pursue music full-time. Fanning's solo music is a blend of blues and acoustic folk, showcasing his talents on guitar, piano, keyboards, and harmonica. He has used his platform to speak out against Australian political figures and support philanthropic causes, including advocating for Aboriginal justice.

Stevie Wright was an Australian singer, songwriter, and musician known for being the lead vocalist of the Easybeats, Australia's first international pop stars. He co-wrote hits with bandmate George Young, including "She's So Fine" and "Friday on My Mind". After the Easybeats disbanded, he fronted various groups and had a successful solo career with the hit "Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3)". Wright struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, seeking treatment at various facilities. His life was detailed in biographies, and he was posthumously inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Rob Bailey is an Australian musician known for his early involvement as a bassist with the hard rock band AC/DC. He joined the group in April 1974 and played a crucial role in their rhythm section. Bailey also performed with other bands like Flake, Acid Road, Rudy and the Aardvarks, and Natural Gas. Despite his departure from AC/DC in January 1975, Bailey's contributions to the band's early recordings and live performances left a lasting impact on the rock music scene of that era.

Jonathan English was a versatile English-born Australian singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He began his career as a vocalist and guitarist for Sebastian Hardie before transitioning to a successful solo career with hit singles like "Turn the Page" and "Six Ribbons." English's talent extended to television, where he won awards for his role in the series "Against the Wind" and showcased his musical prowess by co-writing and performing scores. He further solidified his reputation through acclaimed performances in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

Jon Stevens is a renowned New Zealand singer with a diverse and successful career in the music industry. He gained prominence as the lead singer of Noiseworks from 1986 to 1992. Stevens further showcased his talent by portraying Judas in a 1992 Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Following the tragic death of Michael Hutchence, he took on the role of lead singer for the iconic Australian rock band INXS from 2000 to 2003. Stevens is widely respected for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.

Mahalia Violet Barnes is an Australian singer and songwriter who started her career as part of children's pop group The Tin Lids before transitioning into a successful session and backup singer. She has worked with various artists and most notably provided backing vocals for Joe Bonamassa in both studio recordings and live performances. With a strong vocal presence and versatility, Mahalia has established herself as a respected figure in the music industry, known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances.

Billy Thorpe was an English-born Australian singer-songwriter, record producer, and a prominent figure in the Australian music scene. He achieved success as the lead singer of Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, known for hits like "Blue Day" and "Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy." Thorpe also had a successful solo career, releasing the space opera album "Children of the Sun." He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and gained international fame with a cult following, known for his dramatic live performances and sci-fi themed music. Thorpe's musical legacy continues to be celebrated worldwide.

Ella Keighery Hooper is an accomplished Australian rock music singer-songwriter, radio presenter, and TV personality. She gained recognition as the lead singer of the band Killing Heidi, which formed in 1996. Following the band's breakup in 2006, she continued to showcase her musical talents by performing with her brother Jesse Hooper in the acoustic band, The Verses. Ella Hooper has also ventured into radio presenting, notably on 2DayFM, and appeared as a captain on the ABC television show Spicks and Specks.

George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga was a prominent figure in the Australian music scene as the frontman of the Warumpi Band, an Aboriginal rock band. He made history by releasing the first rock song in an Australian Aboriginal language. Burarrwanga's musical career spanned various music festivals and events, showcasing his talents and promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. After the band's breakup, he pursued a successful solo career, touring internationally and releasing a solo reggae album. Burarrwanga's legacy continues to inspire cultural understanding and appreciation.

Doc Neeson was an Australian singer-songwriter and musician best known as the front man for the hard rock band The Angels. He led the band from its formation in 1976 through to 1999, during which time they achieved stardom with hit albums like "Face to Face," "Dark Room," and "Beyond Salvation." Despite a car accident in 1999 that caused years of pain and rehabilitation, Neeson returned to the stage in 2006 to continue performing. He passed away in 2014 after a battle with a brain tumour.

Sarah McLeod is an accomplished Australian singer-songwriter known for her successful solo career and as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band The Superjesus. She gained recognition with her solo release "Beauty Was a Tiger" in 2005, which achieved success by peaking in the top 40 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Her collaboration with Chris Cheney on the single "Private School Kid" further showcased her talent, reaching the top 40 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Lonnie Lee is an Australian singer known for fronting Lonnie Lee and the Leeman, as well as Lonnie Lee and the Leedons. A pioneer of Australian rockabilly music, he has enjoyed a successful career spanning 60 years. Lee achieved significant commercial success with eight top 100 singles, including three top 20 hits. He also earned five gold records during his career. Despite releasing his last single in 1969, Lee continued to tour and perform into the 2000s and released his latest album, "Back to Base X," in 2019.

Darryl Cotton was a versatile Australian pop and rock singer-songwriter, television presenter, and actor. He was a key member of the rock group Zoot in the 1960s before pursuing a successful solo career with albums like "Best Seat in the House" and "Let the Children Sing." Cotton achieved chart success with hits like "Same Old Girl" and showcased his acting talents in TV shows like The Young Doctors. He also excelled as a presenter on programs like Summer Rock and The Early Bird Show, leaving a lasting impact on the Australian entertainment industry.

Altiyan Childs is an Australian singer-songwriter who gained fame by winning the second season of The X Factor Australia in 2010. He signed with Sony Music Australia and released his debut single "Somewhere in the World," which achieved top-ten success in Australia and New Zealand. His self-titled debut album reached number three on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum. Childs followed up with his second studio album, "Born Before the Sun," in 2015, featuring six singles. Additionally, he portrayed the title role in a Queensland production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2016.

Johnny O'Keefe was an Australian rock and roll pioneer with a career spanning from the early 1950s to the 1970s. Known as "The Wild One," he was a trailblazer in the Australian music scene, achieving success with hits such as "Wild One," "Shout!" and "She's My Baby." O'Keefe was the first Australian rock n' roll performer to tour the United States and the first to make the local Top 40 charts. With a prolific output of over 50 singles, 50 EPs, and 100 albums, he left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Tex Perkins is an Australian singer-songwriter known for fronting The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon, and other bands like Thug, James Baker Experience, The Butcher Shop, Salamander Jim, and Tex, Don and Charlie. He has also released numerous solo records. In 1997, a portrait of him by artist Bill Leak won the Packing Room award at the Archibald Prize. Perkins is recognized for his contributions to the Australian rock music scene, showcasing his talent and versatility as a performer and musician.