‘Let's Just F**king Throw Everything We Can At It’: Luca Brasi Reflect On A Decade Of ‘If This Is All We’re Going To Be’

Anthony Albanese & Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Exchange AC/DC, BABYMETAL Gifts

Mary Varvaris

Albanese said the pair would continue having diplomatic discussions, "including on issues like heavy metal music and other important matters of state."

AC/DC at the MCG, BABYMETAL at Sydney's Enmore Theatre
AC/DC at the MCG, BABYMETAL at Sydney's Enmore Theatre(Credit: Andrew Briscoe, Hayden Nixon)
More AC/DC AC/DC

Hard rock and heavy metal were among the topics on the minds of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, during their informal dinner on Monday (4 May).

Following diplomatic discussions, SBS reports that the pair capped off their meetings with a dinner at The Lodge on Monday evening, where they exchanged gifts reflecting a mutual love of music.

Anthony Albanese, a known supporter of Australian music, presented Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi – in a previous life, a drummer in a heavy metal band – with an AC/DC drum skin. However, it wasn’t any old, plain drum skin. In fact, it was signed by Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd.

Takaichi echoed Albanese’s choice by representing two Japanese bands, giving Australia’s PM vinyl records of BABYMETAL’s latest album, METAL FORTH, and Man With A Mission’s The World’s On Fire.

In addition to the musical gifts, Takaichi gave Albanese a grand Japanese musk melon, which is reportedly one of the most prestigious diplomatic offerings one could offer from Japan.

Albanese said of the musical gift-giving, “We will continue our discussions, including on issues like heavy metal music and other important matters of state.”

While in Australia, the two Prime Ministers inked significant deals across defence, critical minerals and energy.

In January, Albanese unveiled his votes for triple j’s annual Hottest 100 poll. Showing love for UK artists such as Olivia Dean—the eventual winner of the 2025 countdown—as well as Lily Allen, and Wolf Alice, he also shared a selection of tracks by Aussie artists.

In terms of local talent, he chose songs by Hatchie, Hilltop Hoods, Kita Alexander, Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane, and G Flip, as well as Ruby Fields’ 2025 Like A Version performance, where she delivered a stellar rendition of The Cure’s 1989 goth anthem, Lovesong.

The year before, DJ Albo voted for tracks by Amyl And The Sniffers, The Kid LAROI, Billie Eilish, and more.