Jet's "Get Born" 20th Anniversary: A Night of Nostalgia at The Forum in Melbourne
Let's wind the clocks back to 2003 for a moment…flip phones were the pinnacle of technology, low rise jeans were a fashion statement and CDs were life. In this whirlwind of early 2000s culture, Jet's debut album "Get Born" was released, and for a 23-year-old me, it was an immediate staple in my collection. Fast forward to the present, and I found myself ticking off two massive dream list items: shooting at the iconic Forum in Melbourne, a place that quickly became my new favourite shooting venue (hellooo next-level lighting), and photographing Jet, a band I never thought I'd have the chance to capture through my lens.
From the moment I first heard & saw Jet, I was hooked. Their look and sound, tinged with the essence of iconic 70s rock, had me convinced they were British. "Get Born" was on constant rotation in my CD player, its songs forming the soundtrack to countless moments and memories of my early 20’s.
The guys all from Melbourne — Nic Cester, Chris Cester, Cameron Muncey, and Mark Wilson, who are soon to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, have cemented their place among rock royalty. Unfortunately, Chris had to bow out of the the Australian tour due to family reasons, but the band played on brilliantly with Pete Marin on drums & Louis Macklin on percussion, both adding their own piece of pizzazz to the night.
Before Jet took the stage, Melbourne's Neon Goblin and NSW’s Pacific Avenue warmed up the crowd. Neon Goblin's set, spearheaded by Samuel Drew-Rumoro’s Zappa-esque guitar wizardry, Danger Doug's infectious bass energy, and Johnny Zacharias's meticulous drumming, delivered a psychedelic set that set the tone for the evening. Their sound, a powerful homage to authentic and loud '70s rock, resonated deeply with the crowd, who devoured every note. This vibrant opening act not only warmed up the audience but also rekindled a love for the raw, unadulterated rock sound that bands like Jet would celebrate.
Following them, Pacific Avenue took the stage, pumping-up the crowd further. The band, featuring Harry O’Brien on vocals and guitar, Ben Fryer on lead guitar, Jack Kay on bass, and Dom Littrich on the drums, exuded a contagious confidence. Their set, a blend of pop, indie and rock that’s a hit with the Triple J crowd, was both lively and engaging. As they wrapped up, the vibe in The Forum was electric, with the audience filled to the brim, all buzzing in anticipation for Jet.
Then, the moment we'd all been waiting for: Jet, back on their home turf, kicked it off with "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" and "She's A Genius," before revealing they would perform "Get Born" in its entirety from start to finish…which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Kicking it off with Last Chance and then…that unmistakable sound of the tambourine intro for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" ignited the crowd. Fans roared the lyrics in unison, a clear tribute to the song's timeless appeal and unforgettable hook.
Photographing Jet at The Forum wasn't just a job for me…it was a little journey back in time, a celebration of music that has stood the test of time, and a personal dream come true. The night was a reminder of the power of live music, the bond it creates between artist and audience, and the magic that happens when a band and their fans come together. As I packed away my camera, I couldn't help but feel extremely grateful for being part of this unforgettable experience. A night of nostalgia and a touch of serendipity.
Looking for a live music or band photographer in Melbourne? Whether it's capturing the raw energy of a live show or creating striking band portraits, I love working with musicians and artists who bring something unique to the stage. Let’s collaborate and create unforgettable images that showcase your sound and style.