Archive – Gig review: Screaming Jets at Factory Theatre, Sydney (2014)

Live review: The Screaming Jets at Factory Theatre, Sydney, Saturday, November 22 2014
By PERRY GRAYSON

CELEBRATING their 25^thyear together, The Screaming Jets set the stage alight at the Factory Theatre in fabulous “downtown” Marrickville. Even though the band has gone through some lineup changes in recent years, they proved they can still rock out with the best of ’em. They tore through a polished set which started with “Dream On” (not to be confused with the Aerosmith power ballad). Pure power emanated from the band, scorching ears and melting faces with abandon. Spearheading the band is screamer extraordinaire Dave Gleeson, a man of unbridled on-stage energy. He writhes on the boards and pulls wild faces you’d expect from no less than Iggy Pop.

The dual axe team of Jimi Hocking and Scott Kingman acted like soaring wingmen. They laid waste to the audience with tasty riffage and slabs of seductive solos. Vocalist Dave Gleeson even joined his mates on acoustic guitar for “Shivers”.

The Jets roared through old classics like “C’mon”, “Better”, “Needle”, “Shine On” and newer tunes such as “Do Ya”. Bassist Paul Woseen took centre stage to play acoustic six-string and lent vocals on “October Grey”. Drummer Micki Sayers locked in with Woseen for a slaughtering rhythm section, the spine of the Screaming Jets.

Known for his outspoken rants and raves, Gleeson told whinging immigrants to get back on the boat if they didn’t like Aussie culture. As part of the encore, the Jets jammed through a medley of old faves, including “Keep on Rocking”, “FRC” (“Fat Rich Cunts”) and “Ain’t No Fun”.

All photos by Tanya Grayson