Jet (band)

Jet

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2001 in Australia
Founder	Nic Cester, Chris Cester, Cameron Muncey
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Studio albums: Get Born (2003), Shine On (2006), Shaka Rock (2009)

Jet is a rock band originating from Australia, established in 2001 by siblings Nic (vocals, rhythm guitar, piano) and Chris Cester (drums, vocals), along with Cameron Muncey (lead guitar, vocals). In 2002, Mark Wilson joined the group as the bassist. The band produced three studio albums: Get Born (2003), Shine On (2006), and Shaka Rock (2009), before their initial split in 2012. Their debut album, Get Born, became their most successful commercially, securing the top position on the Australian charts, reaching the top 20 in the UK, and entering the top 30 in the US. The album's lead track, "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" (2003), achieved top 20 rankings in both Australia and the UK and reached the top 30 in the US. Both Shine On and Shaka Rock attained spots within Australia's top five albums. Additional singles that reached the top 20 include "Look What You've Done" (2004), "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" (2006), and "She's a Genius" (2009).

At the ARIA Music Awards of 2004, Jet secured six accolades: Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Album, and Breakthrough Artist – Album for Get Born, alongside Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist – Single for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl". This single also received recognition as Most Performed Australian Work Overseas at the APRA Awards consecutively in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Jet reunited in 2016 without producing new studio material but disbanded again in 2019. They came together once more in 2023 and were honored with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame that November.

Origins and Dirty Sweet Era (2001–2003)

Brothers Nic and Chris, who grew up in Dingley Village and attended St Bede's College, Mentone, Melbourne, were heavily influenced by their father John's collection of classic rock records from the 1960s and 1970s. Nic had formed a band by 1995 while still at school, which later included Cameron Muncey. Their musical inspirations encompass artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Faces, AC/DC, and T. Rex. Nic has identified Australian power pop group You Am I as their primary influence:

In 2001, Nic established a garage rock band featuring Muncey on lead guitar and vocals; Chris joined shortly after to play drums and contribute vocals. The original lineup was completed by bassist Doug Armstrong, whom they met through their father's spice business. Before adopting the name Jet in 2002—borrowed from a Paul McCartney and Wings song—the band experimented with various names. Their early setlists included covers of You Am I songs along with other contemporary tracks. The track "Radio Song" from their first album Get Born reflects their early challenges to gain recognition.

Jet played support for Melbourne punk outfit the Specimens at The Duke of Windsor hotel in Windsor. Talent manager Dave Powell discovered them during one such performance, impressed by Nic's vocal delivery, and subsequently signed them to his management company. Nic has recounted Powell managing calls from Los Angeles executives while at the venue’s keg room. The band added bassist Mark Wilson in 2002 after encountering him at performances held at the same venue. Wilson had previously been part of Geelong-based group the Ca$inos.

Towards late 2002, Jet independently launched a four-track EP titled Dirty Sweet, which was distributed by Rubber Records. The initial batch of 1000 copies sold out rapidly. A reviewer from NME described their single "Take It or Leave It" as combining elements reminiscent of both the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. Subsequently, Elektra Records signed Jet and reissued Dirty Sweet in May 2003.

Get Born (2003–2005)

Jet's inaugural album, Get Born, was produced by Dave Sardy, who is recognized for his collaborations with Marilyn Manson and the Dandy Warhols, and recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The Australian group enlisted Billy Preston to contribute keyboard parts on two tracks. The album's name is inspired by a line from Bob Dylan's song "Subterranean Homesick Blues". Achieving significant success, Get Born topped the Australian rankings and attained 8× platinum status from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). It also secured positions within the top 20 in the UK and the top 30 in the US, earning platinum certifications from both the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 2003, Jet was invited by The Rolling Stones to open for their Australian tour dates. Throughout that year, including headline performances, the band played over 200 shows. Their singles "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Rollover DJ" reached numbers one and nineteen respectively on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2003. The track "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" gained widespread recognition through its inclusion in popular video games such as Madden NFL 2004, Guitar Hero: On Tour, and Rock Band, as well as films like Eurotrip and What Happens in Vegas. Additionally, it featured prominently in international advertising campaigns for Vodafone and Apple's iPod and iMac products.

The song "Rollover DJ" was part of the soundtrack for PlayStation 2's Gran Turismo 4. Among the album's tracks is "Timothy", a heartfelt homage to Muncey's deceased brother, which is seldom performed live due to its emotional significance. In early 2004, Jet embarked on The Aussie Invasion tour across the United States alongside the Vines and the Living End. Their song "Hold On", not included on any album, was featured on the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. Furthermore, TV producer J. J. Abrams selected "Cold Hard Bitch" for Season 4 of Alias, enhancing their exposure in the US market.

Jet garnered several nominations at the 2004 US Radio Music Awards, including Artist of the Year: Rock Radio and Song of the Year for "Cold Hard Bitch". They were also contenders for Favorite Artist – Alternative Music at the 32nd Annual American Music Awards, along with three nominations at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. Their video for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" won Best Rock Video; Jet performed at the ceremony and dedicated this accolade to the Cesters' late father.

On home soil, Jet achieved remarkable success at the ARIA Music Awards of 2004, securing six wins: Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Album, and Breakthrough Artist – Album for Get Born, alongside Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist – Single for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl". They were additionally nominated for Highest-Selling Album. During the event, Jet performed "Are You Gonna Be My Girl", while Nic Cester joined Australian supergroup the Wrights to perform Stevie Wright's "Evie (part 1)". Tracks "Look What You've Done" and "Get What You Need" also appeared on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2004 list.

At an October 2005 concert held at the MCG, Nic sparked controversy by likening Jet to iconic figures such as John Lennon and The Rolling Stones. This statement ignited media discussion but was subsequently accompanied by articles that favorably compared Jet’s music to legendary bands from the '60s and '70s. Get Born holds position No. 89 in the publication 100 Best Australian Albums, receiving acclaim for its unpretentious songwriting style that avoids post-Nirvana self-reflection.

Shine On (2006–2008)

In August 2006, the track "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" was issued to radio stations as a precursor to their sophomore album, Shine On. The full album was released on 30 September 2006 (2 October in the UK and 3 October in the US), comprising 15 tracks alongside an exclusive iTunes bonus titled "Coming Home Soon." Upon release, Shine On entered the Australian charts at number three and earned platinum certification from ARIA within the same year. Critical opinions varied; while NME commended its classic rock influences, US music blogger Ray Suzuki of Pitchfork rated it a rare 0.0. The single "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" was featured in the pilot episode of the TV show Chuck and included on the compilation CD NME: The Essential Bands – Festival Edition.

Jet made their live return at the MTV Europe Music Awards held in Copenhagen in November 2006, marking their first performance since Nic Cester's vocal issues had interrupted their global tour. Mid-November saw them back in Australia for the Make Poverty History Concert in Melbourne, followed by a distinctive concert aboard a barge on the Yarra River, which was broadcast through Triple J’s Live at the Wireless program.

Subsequent singles from Shine On were "Bring It On Back" released in the UK and "Rip It Up" for Australian audiences, accompanied by a five-track EP launched in December. The title track, released as a single in March 2007, served as a homage to the Cester brothers’ late father. Several songs on the album explore themes of resilience and overcoming challenges. Both "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" and "Rip It Up" secured spots on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2006 list.

During 2007, Jet co-headlined the Big Day Out festivals across Australia and New Zealand alongside prominent acts such as Tool and Muse. They contributed "Falling Star" to the soundtrack of Spider-Man 3, while "Rip It Up" appeared on the TMNT soundtrack and served as WWE’s theme for their 2010 SummerSlam event. From June through August, Jet supported the Rolling Stones on their European dates during the A Bigger Bang World Tour.

In October 2007, Jet returned to Australia for a performance at the AFL Grand Final, concluding their world tour before announcing a break for rest and recuperation in November. That same month, Chris Cester and Mark Wilson produced "I Spy I Spy" under the moniker Vice Lords for Japanese duo Superfly. Additionally, they collaborated with Iggy Pop on a cover of Johnny O'Keefe's "Wild One," which was released as a tribute single in July 2008 and later included on a compilation album that year.

Shaka Rock and disbandment (2009–2012)

A video posted on their official website showed band members discussing their songwriting and recording sessions at Atlantic Sound Studios in New York City; Chris mentioned they had an abundance of material. Jet returned home to Melbourne on 17 December for a show where they debuted new tracks such as "Goodbye Hollywood," "Seventeen," and "She's a Genius." Cameron Muncey identified "Seventeen" as an advancement in their songwriting craft, combining narrative depth and melancholic tones with rock influences.

On 14 March 2009, Jet performed at both Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground during Sound Relief—a multi-venue concert aimed at raising funds for relief efforts following the Victorian Bushfire Crisis. Proceeds from Melbourne were directed to Red Cross Victorian Bushfire relief, while Sydney’s earnings were split between Victorian Bushfire and Queensland Flood assistance. Notably, Jet and Wolfmother were the only bands to play at both locations.

The track "She's a Genius," from Shaka Rock, was featured on Season 7, Episode 2 of NCIS. In April 2009, Jet released "K.I.A (Killed in Action)" via their website; it became one of the most added songs to Australian radio that month. The lead single "She's a Genius" was officially released in June 2009. The album Shaka Rock debuted in Australia on 21 August 2009, reaching number five on the charts and eventually achieving platinum status by ARIA in 2019.

Following that, "Black Hearts (On Fire)" was issued as the second single in November 2009; its music video accompanied its release along with placement in the Australian film Tomorrow, When the War Began. In November, "She's a Genius" received Gold certification from ARIA. Meanwhile, "Timothy (Where Have You Been)" appeared on Timbaland's album Shock Value II. In December of that year, Jet supported Green Day during their Australian leg of the 21st Century Breakdown World Tour. The song "She's a Genius" ranked number 77 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 chart for 2009.

The third single from Shaka Rock, titled "Seventeen," was released in April 2010; it peaked at number 31 and earned gold certification. That same month, Jet appeared on television program Hey Hey It's Saturday, performing both "She's a Genius" and "Seventeen". Between September and November 2010, they supported Powderfinger during their Sunsets Farewell Tour throughout Australia.

During a period away from live performances, bassist Mark Wilson and lead vocalist Chris Cester formed doom-disco band DamnDogs based in Los Angeles with Louis Macklin and Mitch McIvor. Their EP titled Strange Behaviour was released digitally via iTunes in August 2011. On 26 March 2012, Jet officially announced their disbandment through their website and Facebook page:

Rachel Schuler of Infectious Magazine attributed internal conflicts and personal issues as factors leading to their split.

Reunions and forthcoming fourth studio album (2016–present)

In September 2016, Jet revealed plans for a reunion slated for 2017; they were set to open five concerts for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band during their "Summer '17" tour. They also arranged their first headline performance after six years at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo scheduled for February 2017; rapid ticket sales prompted an additional show. Their official live comeback occurred at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel on 31 January 2017 where they performed an extensive setlist of twenty-three songs spanning all three studio albums.

While touring Italy, Nic Cester collaborated with DJ Bob Rifo—known as The Bloody Beetroots—on the track "My Name Is Thunder," which was released in July 2017. This represented Jet’s first new material after seven years and featured on Rifo's album The Great Electronic Swindle, released in October that year.

In celebration of its fifteenth anniversary in 2018, Jet embarked on an Australian tour commemorating Get Born, covering key cities such as Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne. To mark this milestone tour, they issued their inaugural live album titled Get Born: Live at the Forum. The band also conducted a brief UK tour followed by supporting Jimmy Barnes alongside Eskimo Joe during parts of 2019. Their reunion concluded with a final performance at the By The C festival held in Coffs Harbour in October of that year.

Nic Cester resumed his solo career with his album The Skipping Girl released in 2021 alongside an accompanying children's book. He also participated with supergroup The Jaded Hearts Club on their album You've Always Been Here (2020). Meanwhile, Cameron Muncey performed with Australian Rock Collective (ARC), known for staging tribute shows centered around classic albums.

At the close of 2022, Nic disclosed that Jet were actively discussing new studio work intended to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of their debut release. In June 2023, they formally announced their reformation along with an Australian tour featuring performances of Get Born played entirely live. Drummer Chris Cester did not participate due to family reasons; Pete Marin filled his role while Louis Macklin returned as touring keyboardist. That same year saw Jet inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the ARIA Music Awards where they performed a medley showcasing some of their greatest hits.

In April 2024, Jet confirmed they were working on a new album scheduled for release in 2025 after a fifteen-year hiatus from studio albums. In May of that year they issued a limited edition seven-inch vinyl featuring new single "Hurry Hurry," followed by release of its music video in September.

Activism

In 2007, members of Jet joined forces with PETA to campaign against Canada's annual seal hunt. This initiative collected approximately one hundred fifty thousand signatures including support from notable Australian musicians such as John Butler along with members from Something for Kate, Red Riders, and The Vines.

The Fred Hollows Foundation

In May 2008, Jet posted a tribute video on YouTube honoring Fred Hollows and supporting The Fred Hollows Foundation’s work. Nic Cester emphasized Hollows’ enduring mission restoring vision to individuals blinded by cataracts across developing nations. The video features Jet’s track "Shine On" paired with imagery related to the foundation’s efforts aimed at encouraging donations to sustain this humanitarian work.

Current members

• Nic Cester – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, auxiliary percussion, keyboards (2001–2012, 2016–2019, 2023–present)
• Cameron Muncey – lead guitar; backing vocals; occasional lead vocals (2001–2012, 2016–2019, 2023–present)
• Chris Cester – drums; percussion; backing vocals; occasional lead vocals; additional guitar (2001–2012, 2016–2019, 2023–present)
• Mark Wilson – bass guitar; keyboards; harmonica; backing vocals (2002–2012, 2016–2019, 2023–present)

Current touring musicians

• Louis Macklin – keyboards; percussion; backing vocals (2009–2010, 2017–2019, 2023–present)
• Pete Marin – drums; percussion; backing vocals (2023–present; substitute for Chris Cester)

Former members

• Doug Armstrong – bass guitar (2001–2002)

Former touring/session musicians

• Stevie Hesketh – keyboards; percussion (2004–2008)
• The Wolfgramm Sisters – backing vocals (2017)
• Richard Bradbeer – bass guitar (2023; substitute for Mark Wilson)

Timeline

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Colors =

id:vox     value:red         legend:Lead_vocals,_rhythm_guitar,_auxiliary_percussion
id:bvox    value:pink        legend:Backing_and_occasional_lead_vocals
id:bharm   value:coral       legend:Backing_vocals,_harmonica
id:guitar  value:green       legend:Lead_guitar
id:bass    value:blue        legend:Bass
id:drums   value:orange      legend:Drums,_percussion,_additional_guitar
id:keys    value:purple      legend:Keyboards
id:studio  value:black       legend:Studio_release

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at:08/25/2009 color:studio

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bar:Nic        text:"Nic Cester"
bar:Cameron    text:"Cameron Muncey"
bar:Doug       text:"Doug Armstrong"
bar:Mark       text:"Mark Wilson"
bar:Chris      text:"Chris Cester"

PlotData=

width:13
bar:Nic        from:start      till:03/26/2012 color:vox
bar:Nic        from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:vox
bar:Nic        from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:vox
bar:Cameron    from:start      till:03/26/2012 color:guitar
bar:Cameron    from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:guitar
bar:Cameron    from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:guitar
bar:Doug       from:start      till:11/01/2002 color:bass
bar:Mark       from:11/01/2002 till:03/26/2012 color:bass
bar:Mark       from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:bass
bar:Mark       from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:bass
bar:Chris      from:start      till:03/26/2012 color:drums
bar:Chris      from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:drums
bar:Chris      from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:drums

width:7
bar:Mark       from:11/01/2002 till:03/26/2012 color:keys

width:3
bar:Nic        from:11/01/2002 till:03/26/2012 color:purple
bar:Cameron    from:start      till:03/26/2012 color:bvox
bar:Cameron    from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:bvox
bar:Cameron    from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:bvox
bar:Mark       from:11/01/2002 till:03/26/2012 color:bharm
bar:Mark       from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:bharm
bar:Mark       from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:bharm
bar:Chris      from:start      till:03/26/2012 color:bvox
bar:Chris      from:09/01/2016 till:10/26/2019 color:bvox
bar:Chris      from:06/14/2023 till:end        color:bvox

</timeline>

Discography

Main article: Jet discography

• Get Born (2003)
• Shine On (2006)
• Shaka Rock (2009)

APRA Awards

Since its inception in 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), these awards have been presented annually.

Year	Work	Category	Result	Ref(s).
2004	"Are You Gonna Be My Girl"	Song of the Year	Template:Nom
2005	"Are You Gonna Be My Girl"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Won
	"Cold Hard Bitch"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Nom
	"Look What You've Done"	Song of the Year	Template:Nom
		Most Performed Australian Work	Template:Nom
	Nic Cester, Cameron Muncey, Chris Cester	Songwriters of the Year	Template:Won
2006	"Are You Gonna Be My Girl"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Won
	"Cold Hard Bitch"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Nom
	"Look What You've Done"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Nom
2007	"Are You Gonna Be My Girl"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Won
	"Look What You've Done"	Most Performed Australian Work Overseas	Template:Nom
2010	"She's a Genius"	Most Played Australian Work	Template:Nom
		Rock Work of the Year	Template:Nom
		Song of the Year	Template:Shortlisted
2011	"Seventeen"	Most Played Australian Work	Template:Won
		Rock Work of the Year	Template:Won

ARIA Music Awards

The annual ARIA Music Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across all genres within Australia's music industry.

! Ref(s). |- | rowspan="7" | 2004 || rowspan="5" | Get Born || Album of the Year || Template:Won ||rowspan="7"| |- | Best Group || Template:Won |- | Best Rock Album || Template:Won |- | Highest-Selling Album || Template:Nom |- | Breakthrough Artist - Album || Template:Won |- | rowspan="2" | "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" || Single of the Year || Template:Won |- | Breakthrough Artist - Single || Template:Won |- | 2005 || Right! Right! Right! || Best Music DVD || Template:Won || |- | 2007 || Shine On || Best Rock Album || Template:Nom || |- | 2009 || Shaka Rock|| Best Rock Album||  || |- |- (2023) ARIA Hall Of Fame induction |- }}