The opening salvo of the highly anticipated Ashes series will be fired not with a red ball, but with electric guitars. Perth Stadium is set for a thunderous pre-game spectacle as cricket enthusiasts and guitarists Leon Todd and Ryan Rafferty engage in a musical rock-off ahead of the first Test between Australia and England.
A Musical Duel to Ignite the Crowd
The two musicians, who perform together in the band Ragdolls, have curated a setlist of three iconic songs from each nation to pump up the spectators. The performance will take place on the stadium's rooftop podium, creating a unique visual and auditory experience. The musical battle will culminate with the classic AC/DC anthem, Thunderstruck, uniting the crowd in a single, roaring finale.
Representing the home side, Leon Todd will kick off the proceedings with the unofficial Australian anthem, Waltzing Matilda. Ryan Rafferty will counter with the English favourite, Jerusalem, a song beloved by the travelling Barmy Army supporters.
Cricket Tragics Living the Dream
For both artists, the opportunity is a dream come true, blending their twin passions for music and cricket. "I mean, both of us, we are both absolute cricket tragics, so it’s an honour, it’s a dream come true," Todd told The West Australian. He expressed particular excitement about witnessing local Perth player Cam Green if Australia bats, and noted the significance of seeing Indigenous bowler Brendan Doggett in the team.
When asked about the superior song list, Todd was unequivocal in his support for the Australian tunes. Rafferty, however, embraced his role representing England's musical heritage. He noted that the selected English songs are deeply woven into the fabric of the nation's sporting and pub culture, and he hopes to do the Barmy Army proud with his performance.
Setting the Stage for an Epic Series
This unique pre-game entertainment sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested five-match series. The musical duel is designed to build energy and national pride, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at Western Australia's premier sporting venue before a single ball is bowled. The event underscores the deep cultural connection between cricket, music, and national identity that defines an Ashes contest.
