The Screaming Jets @ BridgeHotel, Sydney (24/03/07)

Mon 26th Mar, 2007 in Gig Reviews

The Screaming Jets finally returned to the Sydney inner city area for a pair of sold out shows at the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle. They certainly have plenty of inner city fans, by the look of it they’re all from the Jets glory days in the 90s when they were one of the biggest rock acts in the country.

Dave Gleeson is still Australia’s most outspoken frontmen and he was in entertaining form tonight, discussing climate change, big corporations, and of course, John Howard. This is where Dave what is at his most eloquent – “Yeah, I know I rag on John Howard at bit – but that’s because he’s a slimey little cunt.”

But tonight was all about the rock, good ol’ fashioned Aussie rock that is. The Jets tore through a stack of hits, with the twin guitar attack of Grant & Izzy powering along like, err… screaming jets. Each song was exquisite, the guys are an exceptionally tight unit onstage and it showed, especially during Figure It Out, Otherside, and the ball-tearing Tunnel.

The ultimate sing-a-long song, Helping Hand had virtually the entire crowd singing – even the barstaff got in on the act. The Jets mega-hit (and pub favourite everywhere) Better was amazing, not to mention the classics Blue Sashes and Needle. Nothing like some great Aussie rock to put you in a boozin’ mood.

The Screaming Jets also played some of their softer successful songs like Shivers and Sad Song. Eve Of Destruction and Elvis (I Remember) were further proof of just how many hits these guys have to pick from.

The Screaming Jets also dropped in a rocking new song from a new independently released album, which is due out in June, or as late as November - according to Dave. The sooner the better. One thing the Aussie music scene needs now is some quality no-bullshit rock n’ roll.

And to top off a great night of Screaming Jets classics, they closed it of with a blistering C’Mon – leaving the crowd to head to the main bar for more booze. Great show, great crowd, great night had by all.