Tag: The Screaming Jets

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Professional Misconduct” – The Screaming Jets

It’s taken me a little while to listen to The Screaming Jets’ 10th studio album Professional Misconduct. And a little while after that to put fingers to my keyboard and share my thoughts. It’s taken time, because like so many people from Newcastle I needed a moment to process the unexpected loss of the band’s founding member Paul Woseen. I knew I needed to push through though, because this album is such an important body of work for this band.

As a teenager growing up in Newcastle, The Screaming Jets were so much a part of my journey to adulthood. I must have been 15 or 16 when they played an under-18s gig at the Cambridge. I was hooked. I made my way in to Civic Park in 1997 when they honoured the Newcastle Knights after their grand final win. Then when I turned 18s the gigs became more frequent. Shows at the Newcastle Workies, Toronto Workies … venues with sticky floors, the air thick with cigarette smoke and beer. They were always such physical gigs, with punters jostling to move me on from my front row position, but I always stood firm. I found myself reminiscing about those moments when we lost Paul, and again listening to this album, their first of new material since the release of Chrome in 2016. It’s new music, but it’s the same old Jets, as it should be. Dave Gleeson’s voice up front and center, surrounded by guitars and those driving drums. It’s proper rock music, the way it’s meant to be. Hard-hitting numbers like “Nothing to Lose,” “No Reason,” and “Speed Quack” have become firm favourites. “Lying With Her” is haunting in its stillness. I might have gotten misty listening to “Second Chance” thinking about what might have been.

The Screaming Jets will never be the same, but I’m so glad we have this one last album with Dave and Paul working together. I think Professional Misconduct might be their best work since World Gone Crazy way back in 1997. It’s certainly a fitting tribute for the band’s late bassist, but it’s not the end for the Screaming Jets. They will tour around the country as scheduled, bringing this music to the people. It’s what Paul would have wanted. Enjoy this brilliant new music and plenty of old favourites at the following shows:

3 November 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Beenleigh Tavern, Yugambeh Country/Beenleigh
10 November 2023 – Chelsea Heights, Bunurong Country/Chelsea Heights
11 November 2023 – Prince Bandroom, Bunurong Country/St Kilda
17 November 2023 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
18 November 2023 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
1 December 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 December 2023 – Anitas Theatre, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 January 2024 – Summernats 36, Ngambri/Canberra
19 January 2024 – Blank Space, Gooneburra Country/Toowoomba
20 January 2024 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
23 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
25 January 2024 – Sunken Monkey, Darkinjung Country/Erina
27 January 2024 – Laurieton Ex Services Club, Biripi Country/Laurieton
28 January 2024 – Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Worimi Country/Elizabeth Beach
1 February 2024 – The Albies Bar, Undalup/Busselton
2 February 2024 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
3 February 2024 – Ravenswood Hotel, Bindjareb Country/Ravenswood
9 February 2024 – Hornsby RSL, Darug and GuriNgai Country/Hornsby
10 February 2024 – Club Central, Bendiagal Country/Hurstville
16 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
17 February 2024 – Village Green, Wurundjeri Country/Mulgrave
23 February 2024 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Paul Woseen

I was rocked yesterday as the news of Paul Woseen’s death filtered through social media. As a kid from Newy, the Screaming Jets were one of those bands so important to my independence. I saw them every chance I got. I remember an under 18s gig at the Cambo, shows once I turned 18 at Toronto and Newcastle Workies. They were always the most physical gigs. People say teenage girls are intense, but it’s nothing like a bunch of blokes at a rock show. I was always front row centre, and I’d stand my ground. Elbowing any hands that tried to move mine from the barrier was my go-to move.

My favourite gig by far was this one, the free gig they played in Civic Park to celebrate the Newcastle Knights victory. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever felt. We were all riding that high, whether we were drinking bevvies like the blokes on stage or not. I love that “Candle in the Wind” was the number one selling single for 1997 everywhere in the country, except for in Newcastle where the EP released after this show outsold it. Yes, if you’ve got eagle eyes, you’ll see 17-year-old me in my plaid Sportsgirl hat, front and centre.

Rest easy Paul. I love that like Dave, you were the one to keep the Jets legacy alive. I don’t know what happens to the band now, but I’m keeping the memories I have a little closer. I hope the Knights smash out a win for you today.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets @ The Factory Theatre, Marrickville – 14 December 2018

December always seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. It’s a seemingly endless stream of deadlines, family obligations, and parties that can all leave you feeling fatigued. Somewhere in all of that I found a little time for me, for indulging in my passion for music. I’m glad I bought tickets for The Screaming Jets at The Factory in Marrickville some time ago. Locking the show in made sure exhaustion and terrible weather couldn’t talk me out of attending.

The rain did see me arriving a little later than I’d like. Palace of the King were already in full swing when I walked through the doors, but it didn’t take me long to become enthralled by their set. They were the young guns on this bill, established just six years ago rather than in the ‘80s. However, their psychedelic rock sound was a hit with the older crowd. These lads from Sydney can really play. I hope I get to spend more time with them at another show.

The Poor burst onto the stage next, taking me right back to my teenage years. I remember buying their album Who Cares? on cassette while I was shopping with my grandma. I was just 14, so I remember frantically trying to peel off that explicit lyrics sticker before she spied it. That cassette didn’t leave my stereo for months. I worried every time my parents walked in that they might cotton on to those choice words. I was too young to catch The Poor play live in their hey day, but watching frontman Skenie bounce around, it was like no time had passed. They delivered a high-octane set punctuated by tracks from that album I adored all those years ago. It was bold and ballsy, and I lapped it up. The banter between songs was every bit as colourful as my inner teen hoped for.

As a girl from Newcastle, I’ve seen The Screaming Jets countless times. This band is part of my DNA, one of the first acts I remember seeing as I started to see shows without my parents. But this set might have been one of my favourites simply because it was so fresh.

The Jets are no stranger to touring a new album. But ordinarily they try not to push the new material too hard. They don’t want to alienate the punters who are there to see them play the hits. The beautiful thing about releasing an album like Gotcha Covered though is the level of familiarity the audience already has with the songs. It’s genius really. The Jets could play a bunch of new material, delivering a set that felt totally fresh, while keeping everybody on side. They seized the opportunity with both hands, treating us to classic rock bangers like “Rain,” “Razor’s Edge,” “Wedding Ring,” and the Radiator’s cheeky hit “Gimme Head,” a suggestion from “the wheel.”

The wheel was another inspired idea, a chocolate wheel that The Jets trotted out with glee throughout the set. Frontman Dave Gleeson picked excited punters to come up and spin the wheel, which displayed the titles of tracks from the new album. We got another great track, the spinners got T-shirts, and we all had a lot of fun. Win, win, win.

Dave told us that new music was on its way, but the lads simply released their latest album so they’d have an excuse to tour again. The joy they get from playing live is evident. This band is so tight; despite many line-up changes since their 1989 inception Dave and fellow founding member bass guitarist Paul Woseen keep things ticking along. They’re a generous band too, one that gives the punters exactly what they came for, a big rock show peppered with hits. Age shall not weary them. I was feeling ready to call it a night after “Shiver” came out in the encore, but the Jets had other ideas, treating the enthusiastic crowd to some Johnny Cash even though it was nearing 1 am.

Most tours are winding down for the year, but The Screaming Jets aren’t nearly done yet. Their Gotcha Covered tour will hit the following venues throughout the festive season.

21 December 2018 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Hindmarsh
22 December 2018 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
28 December 2018 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 December 2018 – Aussie World, Palmview
4 January 2019 – Wyong Leagues Club, Kanwal
5th January 2019 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
11 January 2019 – Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone
12 January 2019 – York On Lilydale, Mount Evelyn
17 January 2019 – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay
18 January 2019 – The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
19 January 2019 – Pittwater RSL Club, Mona Vale
25 January 2019 – The Basement, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets Rocking All Around This Summer

If you missed The Screaming Jets touring with Boom Crash Opera recently, you’re in luck. Newcastle’s favourite sons have just announced summer shows to promote their brilliant covers album, Gotcha Covered.

Fans can look forward to plenty of their favourite Jets tracks along with tracks from the Gotcha Covered album, as well as a few surprises to keep them on their toes. In plain words, these shows are going to go off. Melbourne rockers Palace of the King will support on all shows, but there are a few other guest artists on selected dates.

7 December 2018 – O’Donoghues, Emu Plains
8 December 2018 – Central Hotel, Shellharbour
14 December 2018 – The Factory Theatre, Marrickville (with The Poor)
15 December 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
21 December 2018 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
22 December 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
28 December 2018 – Kingscliffe Beach Hotel, Kingscliff (with The Poor and Clam Sandwich)
29 December 2018 – Aussie World, Sunshine Coast (with The Poor and Clam Sandwich)
4 January 2018 – Wyong Leagues, Wyong
5 January 2018 – Laurieton United Services, Laurieton
11 January 2018 – Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone
12 January 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
17 January 2018 – Shoalbay Country Club, Shoalbay
18 January 2018 – The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
19 January 2018 – Pittwater RSL, Pittwater

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gotcha Covered” – The Screaming Jets

You might recall me getting excited about the release of The Screaming Jets’ new album Gotcha Covered. As a kid growing up in Newcastle, these guys were heroes to me. The track listing of Aussie rock classics was inspired, radio-friendly but full of curveballs. You might wonder why, since it’s been out for a couple of weeks now, I haven’t put down my thoughts until this moment. The simple answer is, I’ve been having too much fun listening to it.

All the Jets hallmarks are here: the driving drums, the chunky guitars, Dave Gleeson’s unmistakeable vocals. Add in an impressive collection of songs and you’ve got all the right ingredients for your next barbecue soundtrack.

It bounds out of the gate with a gritty, frenetic take on The Easybeats’ “Wedding Ring.” I love the extra dirt The Jets put on this one. Their take on Razor’s Edge might be my favourite track on an outstanding album. I’d forgotten how much I love this song; their punchy version was a great reminder. But then there’s “Overkill,” perhaps controversially my favourite Men at Work song, given such a great treatment. And then there’s “Errol,” a wonderful take on the Oz Crawl classic. The more I think about it, singling out just one track seems cruel.

“Shadow Boxer” was always going to be a natural fit for the band fronted by The Angels’ current lead singer. It works so well. “The Right Time” is another song which feels like it was made for the Newcastle rockers. The Jets even have a way of making songs I’ve never liked, like the Radiators’ questionable classic “Head” endearing!

Playing on the sacred ground here has some challenges. Risks are essential, but they don’t all pay off in my opinion. While I appreciate the intent of the swampy, bluesy “Darling It Hurts,” slowing down the tempo makes this incredible Paul Kelly track feel a little laboured. But then The Jets take a chance on an epic 14-minute take on “Guitar Band” to close the album, and you’re glad they did.

Gotcha Covered will make the perfect Father’s Day gift for your old man. Just don’t be surprised when you want a copy for yourself too.

The Screaming Jets are currently touring the nation with Boom Crash Opera. Here are all the remaining dates.

17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets Interpret Aussie Classics for “Gotcha Covered”

Now here’s an album to get excited about. The Screaming Jets have always had a knack for making a cover version their own, from their spine-tingling version of Roland Howard’s “Shivers” to their irreverent take on Barry Maguire’s “Eve of Destruction.” Now approaching their 30th anniversary, The Jets are releasing the covers album that’s been missing from our lives.

Gotcha Covered features cover versions of the band’s favourite Aussie radio hits of the last 50 or so years. Think The Easybeats, Men at Work, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus, INXS, and AC/DC, just to name a few.

“What we came up with was a great Aussie party album. Covering songs that have shaped us; songs from our youth; songs that have been written and performed by contemporaries and songs that will make even the most loyal fan go “what the” … I can’t wait to get out with the boys and belt these songs out with the rest of Australia…” said frontman Dave Gleeson.

I am looking forward to devouring this from front to back, but I’m most excited about their take on “Guitar Band,” primarily because they’ve assembled what might just be the greatest line-up of guitarists to ever play together. Along with the Jets’ own Scott Kingman and Jimi Hocking, the track includes the musical stylings of Rick Brewster (The Angels), Nat Allison (Suzi Quatro), Tim Henwood (SuperJesus/ Palace Of The King), Cam McKenzie (Horsehead/ Mark Seymour band), Bob Spencer (The Angels/ Rose Tattoo), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Brett Kingman (James Reyne), Brett Williams (the Choirboys), Warwick Scott (Skunkhour), Ronnie Simmons (Richie Ramone), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes/ Richard Clapton), Chris Hawker (Taxiride), Pete Wanno (Suzi Quatro/ Josie Jason), Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks/ John Farnham), Stu Marshall (Empires Of Eden) and Zakk Zedras (Chocolate Starfish). Get excited people.

Gotcha Covered hits stores on July 27. To celebrate, The Screaming Jets will play a triple-shot of shows at The Bridge Hotel, where they’ll play the album in full before launching into all your favourites, before teaming up with Boom Crash Opera for gigs around the country.

3 – 5 August 2018 – Bridge Hotel, Sydney
10 August 2018 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster
11 August 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel,
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets and Boom Crash Opera Team Up For Rock Radio Riot Tour

Am I the only one seeing bands announcing shows for the second-half of the year feeling it’s way too early to start thinking so far ahead? If you love classic Aussie rock, you’re going to want to reserve space in your calendar though, as The Screaming Jets and Boom Crash Opera are teaming up for one big tour, dubbed the Rock Radio Riot tour.

“The Screaming Jets have always, always, always promoted Australian rock ‘n’ roll,” confirmed The Jets frontman, Dave Gleeson. “Australian rock ‘n’ roll is a mission, it‘s a vocation, it is something that must be a part of your life. This tour is a way of reminding us all of the days when Australian music flooded the national radio airwaves. Let’s get back to that again.”

Expect to hear all the hits from these massive Aussie acts in the venues they were meant to be heard at. These guys could easily sell out theatres, but they’d rather take you to places with standing room and sticky floors. Rock on!

3 & 4 August 2018 – Bridge Hotel, Sydney (The Screaming Jets only)
10 August 2018 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster
11 August 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Aussie Rock in WA

Some of Australia’s hardest rockers will hit Perth later this month for the Aussie Rock Celebration Concert.

Line-ups don’t come much better than this, with Rose Tattoo, The Screaming Jets, Noiseworks, and The Party Boys heading up the bill. But that’s not all, with former AC/DC members Dave and Marck Evans, Kevin Borich, Buzz Bidstrup (The Angels), Paul Christie (Mondo Rock), and Dave Tice (Buffalo) all slated to appear.

And it’s only fitting on such an occasion that a statue honoring the late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott will also be unveiled on the day.

The Aussie Rock Celebration Concert will hit Claremont Showgrounds on February 24. Tickets are available from Moshtix. Adult tickets are $77 while under 18s can go for the bargain price of just $25.

Image source: Aussie Rock website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Screaming Jets Split Shatters Rock Fans

I must admit, as a proud former Novacastrian, I read a recent story in the Sydney Morning Herald with great sadness. No, it wasn’t the floods or the Knights latest defeat that had me shattered. It was the news that Grant Walmsley and Dave Gleeson of the Screaming Jets are unsure when, if ever, they will play together again.

Some of my very first concert experiences were Screaming Jets shows. For many, being slammed up against a stage, the only female amongst a throng of drunk, rowdy men probably doesn’t sound like fun. But I was in heaven. Watching the chemistry between this passionate vocalist and brilliant songwriter/guitarist was truly something to behold.

Yet the musos, who met as high school students 17 years ago, haven’t spoken since last October. The Jets continue to play gigs, but Grant’s absence is notable.

“Since we finished the album in Melbourne it’s been a parting of ways and a realisation that after 17 years some relationships don’t work,” explained Dave.

“Maybe it will work out one day, but at the moment we are in different directions and have different commitments.”

While Dave and the boys are keeping the Jets legacy alive, Grant’s new band Agents of Peace will release their debut album in October.

No one’s sure why the boys aren’t talking, but one thing’s for sure – The Screaming Jets will be a lesser band because of it.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer @ Flickr.com