From the classic energy of The Screaming Jets to Silverchair’s enduring hits, Newcastle’s influence echoed loudly in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of Australian Music.
The monumental countdown was prompted by a reported 2.65 million votes, with listeners tuning in from parties, pubs and homes across the country to hear the results.
And, when beloved local icons, Dave Gleeson and the boys, kicked it all off with Better, we knew we were in for a treat.
According to figures from Triple J, the track only made it into the 100th spot by a nail-biting 30 votes.
While other Newcastle legends Rum Jungle, Vacations and Adam Newling didn’t make the final cut, our biggest export Silverchair was proudly represented three times.
Their first appearance had many Novocastrians cheering at listening parties across the region, with Freak charting in 72nd position.
As the countdown rolled on, speculation started brewing as to when the other tracks would pop up.
With the opening key of Straight Lines coming in at number 28, crowds roared, screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
Then, the question became: where would our all-time favourite chart?
It didn’t take long to find out Tomorrow slipped into 17th.
Originally, the iconic track charted at number five in the Hottest 100 of 1994.
Now, its legacy as a top pick is fully-cemented in Australian music history.
But, while the No. 1 song wasn’t a local product, it still has a special Novocastrian connection.
Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, famously known as the walk-out track for the Newcastle Jets, was crowned as the most loved Australian song of the past 50 years.
The squad posted to its social media, acknowledging the win, stating “the number one song in Australia and it’s ours”.
It was followed closely by Hilltop Hood’s Nosebleed Section in second, and The Veronicas’ Untouched in third.
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