They're Back!

Since 1989 The Screaming Jets have carved out a reputation as one of the country's most dependable and hard-working rock bands. Not long after forming, the Newcastle group entered a competition through triple j, which had just started broadcasting nationally, and they haven't looked back since.

“We won a national battle of the bands and, being triple j, we didn't get a whole lot of money, but we did get recording time and we met Steve James, who produced our first three albums,” Gleeson explains. “We were triple j darlings; in fact, we were the first band to do a live simulcast on the worldwide web way back.”

The Jets have been uncharacteristically quiet the last three years, due to Gleeson's commitments with The Angels, which he's been fronting since the Brewster brothers recruited him to replace Doc Neeson in early 2011, but he also admits the few years prior were a testing time for the Jets.

“It was a pretty shit time, that last few years; we just needed a break. We were worn out and Grant Walmsley, our founding guitarist, left during that time. That said, I do think we put out a good album (2008's Do Ya) during that time.”

The Jets have never had any troubles drawing a crowd and Gleeson says the band have never taken that loyalty for granted. “Yeah, we've got some very dedicated fans. In fact, at the Eatons Hill show up there we've got a girl who's going to be attending her hundredth Screaming Jets show.” Gleeson says there “might be some sort of shout-out”, but rules out handing her the microphone: “She's quite a shy girl.”

The band have an extensive back catalogue to draw from, with hits like Better, Helping Hand, Sad Song and October Grey certain to get an airing, but when asked if there are any lesser-heard songs the band are planning on playing, Gleeson quickly responds: “FRC (Fat Rich Cunts). We used to dedicate it to Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Russ Hinze when we were starting out, and we were thinking about dusting it off anyway and then along comes Clive Palmer.”

As soon as this run of shows are over, Gleeson rejoins The Angels for another round of touring, after which he plans to return to the studio with the Jets, who'll celebrate a quarter century together next year. Meanwhile, the frontman is enjoying the renewed spark the Jets are experiencing. “We can't wait to get back on the road, see all our friends and fans around the country and give 'em what they've been screaming out for since 2011: the Jets at full throttle, ripping up the stage with the intensity we absolutely thrive on. Strap in, we are about to let loose.”