Jet: Did You Know?
The Rock 'n' Roll Story of Jet: Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Tales
Jet, the iconic Australian rock band, burst onto the international music scene in the early 2000s with their infectious energy and raw, garage rock sound. With hits like "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Cold Hard Bitch," the band quickly became synonymous with a new wave of gritty rock revival. But behind the loud guitars and powerful vocals, there are fascinating stories and fun facts about Jet that even hardcore fans might not know. Let’s dive into the untold side of Jet!
1. Jet’s Name Origin Was Inspired by Paul McCartney
Choosing a band name can be an overwhelming task, but for Jet, the inspiration was simple yet legendary. The name "Jet" was directly inspired by Paul McCartney and Wings' 1973 song of the same name. The energetic track resonated with the band, so they took on the name to reflect the high-octane music they wanted to create. It's fitting that Jet would draw from classic rock influences, as their own music would go on to evoke the golden age of rock and roll.
2. The Brothers Cester: Born Into Music
Jet's core members, Nic and Chris Cester, grew up in a musical household in Dingley Village, a suburb of Melbourne. Their father was a professional Italian opera singer, which may seem worlds away from rock music, but his influence instilled a deep love for music in the brothers. They grew up listening to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC, blending their father's classical influences with the gritty sounds of classic rock.
3. Rejection from Australian Record Labels
Before they became global rock stars, Jet faced significant struggles in their home country. Multiple Australian record labels passed on signing the band, doubting their potential. Jet's determination didn’t waver, and they self-released their debut EP, Dirty Sweet, in 2002. It was only after the EP gained attention in the U.S. and U.K. that Australian labels reconsidered their stance. Their persistence paid off, and they eventually signed with Elektra Records.
4. The “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” iPod Phenomenon
Jet’s mega-hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” wasn’t just a chart-topping rock anthem; it became a cultural moment. Apple used the track for the first-ever iPod commercial in 2003. This clever placement skyrocketed the song’s popularity and solidified Jet’s place in pop culture. It’s not every day a rock band helps launch a tech revolution!
5. An Accidental Collaboration with Iggy Pop
Jet’s rise to fame caught the attention of many rock legends, but one of the coolest stories involves punk icon Iggy Pop. The band was staying in a hotel when they ran into Iggy in an elevator. As any fan would, they freaked out, but what happened next was legendary. Iggy invited them to his suite to hang out. That chance encounter led to Iggy Pop recording a spoken-word segment for their 2006 album Shine On in the song "Rip It Up."
6. Nic Cester and His Side Project: A New Direction
While Jet is synonymous with gritty rock, lead singer Nic Cester explored a completely different musical direction with his solo work. His 2017 album Sugar Rush saw him veer into soul, blues, and jazz territory, showcasing a more experimental and introspective side. He collaborated with Italian band Motel Connection, stepping out of the rock limelight to embrace new sonic landscapes. The shift surprised fans but revealed the depth of his musicality.
7. The Jet Feud: “Lazy” Accusations
In the height of their fame, Jet found themselves embroiled in a feud with fellow Australian band, The Vines. The Vines’ frontman, Craig Nicholls, famously referred to Jet as a "lazy band" in an interview, implying their success was undeserved. Rather than take offense, Jet cheekily responded by wearing custom t-shirts with the word "lazy" during their performances. It was a fun, tongue-in-cheek way to brush off the criticism, proving that Jet could roll with the punches.
8. The Rollercoaster of Fame and Break-Up
After two massively successful albums, Jet experienced the downsides of fame. Exhaustion from touring, internal conflicts, and the pressures of following up their earlier success led to tensions within the band. In 2012, they announced their split, leaving fans heartbroken. Nic Cester later described the band’s trajectory as a “rollercoaster,” highlighting the emotional toll that comes with rapid fame and industry demands. But all wasn’t lost—the band reunited in 2017, rekindling their rock ‘n’ roll magic.
9. They Nearly Opened for Oasis on Their Last Tour
In what could have been a moment of rock history, Jet was almost the opening act for Oasis during their final tour in 2009. However, Jet had to decline due to conflicting schedules. While the two bands never toured together, they shared mutual respect, with Oasis members expressing admiration for Jet’s music. It’s fun to imagine the two powerhouse rock bands on stage together, bringing down the house.
Jet’s legacy in rock is not just about their catchy tunes and head-banging anthems, but also about their tenacity, humor, and love for music. From iPod commercials to chance encounters with rock royalty, the band's journey is full of fun, surprising stories that continue to captivate fans. Jet remains a testament to the timeless power of rock and roll, proving that with the right blend of passion and grit, you can soar to the top—even when the odds are stacked against you.
Jet's music is full of high-energy rock anthems, but when it comes to meaningful lyrics, one of their most poignant songs is "Look What You've Done" from their debut album Get Born.
The lyric:
"Take my photo off the wall if it just won't sing for you"
This line encapsulates feelings of regret, loss, and the bittersweet aftermath of a relationship or experience that has ended. It's about realizing when something that once held meaning no longer resonates or brings joy to someone, and the pain that comes with that realization. The melancholy tone of the song contrasts with much of Jet's more energetic catalog, showing a more reflective, emotional side to the band.
"Look What You've Done" stands out as one of Jet's most introspective and heartfelt songs, often regarded as their most meaningful in terms of lyrical depth.