Zebrahead Share Their Fave Soundwave Memories Ahead Of 2025 Aussie Return

It’s been seven long years since SoCal pop-punk/rapcore mischief-makers Zebrahead last hit Aussie shores – but they’re finally making their way back this October for a run of sweaty headline shows.

And as the countdown begins, the band are getting a little sentimental, sharing some of their favourite memories from touring Australia in the heyday of Soundwave Festival (RIP).

Soundwave TV: Zebrahead Backstage At Soundwave Melbourne

For frontman Ali Tabatabaee, the 2014 run was a pinch-yourself moment. “Playing our set was already a blast, but one of the coolest parts was getting to hang after we were done and watch some of the other bands,” he recalls.

“Seeing Alice In Chains, AFI, and Crosses rip it up was unreal — those are the kinds of moments where you just stop and think how lucky you are to be part of this whole thing. The vibe in Australia was next level too. Every show had this crazy mix of energy and positivity, and the crowds were wild in the best way possible. Honestly, that whole run was one of those trips you carry with you forever. Australia always feels like home when we play there, and I can’t wait to come back in just a couple of weeks!”

Bassist Ben Osmundson has a slightly different kind of memory – one that only Aussies will truly appreciate. “My fondest and most confusing experience from Australia was the first time I witnessed a ‘shoey’,” he chuckles.

“We were playing the Adelaide Soundwave and the dressing rooms were basically in jail cells. One of the Aussie bands was going round filming people drinking out of their shoes… at first, we were confused, but against our better judgement we decided to join in. No one got sick, no one was harmed, so basically this was a learning lesson for us Americans… if you don’t have a cup, just use a shoe. Simple math!”

Soundwave may be long gone, but the nostalgia is alive and well – and with a setlist packed with classics like ‘Playmate of the Year’, ‘Falling Apart’ and ‘Hell Yeah’, Zebrahead’s 2025 return tour promises to scratch that same itch.

You can peep all the dates and details of Zebrahead’s October 2025 Australian tour down below.