Its never a dull moment when Aussie rock legends The Screaming Jets cross the border for a series of shows in WA. After two sell-out nights in Bunbury and Ravenswood respectively it was the turn of The Charles Hotel and their rock n roll faithful, and once they did not disappoint, as they turned out in big numbers to celebrate The Rock Vault Tour 2023.
Opening the night, young guns Pricey kicked things off in vibrant punk rocking fashion. Lead singer Josh Price, founding member, and former lead Guitarist, songwriter and vocalist of The Chats, has embarked on his first solo project and by the sounds of what these guys spat out, we could be in for an interesting ride. Catchy, energetic and slightly anarchic, Pricey warmed the near full room nicely. Its clear to see why ‘Gleeso’ has been raving about them since the start of the tour. Watch out for a full length album due for release later in the year.
The crowd didn’t need much encouragement as the fab five strode onto the stage to rapturous applause before blasting straight into ‘Needle’, before plunging immediately into ‘Tunnel’. No matter how many times I hear ‘C’mon’ I never get bored of it and judging by The Jets’ form tonight, neither do they. “Tonight, we will be delving into the Vault”, bellowed a wide-eyed Gleeson, as he towered over his flock. We were pulled all over the band’s back catalogue with tracks from ‘Chrome’, ‘Tear of Thought’, ‘World Gone Crazy’ and ‘The Screaming Jets’. It was good to hear some of the lesser played tracks, as ‘Otherside’, ‘Automatic Cowboy’, ‘Strength’ and ‘When I Go’ were next to be dished out to the bustling, excited crowd.
‘Disappear’ lifted the crowd to fever pitch before we were treated to a breather, with Gleeson picking up the guitar to join Scotty Kingman and Jimi Hocking in a wonderful version of ‘Shivers’… and yes, The Charles Hotel choir joined in with joyful exuberance. ‘Eve of Destruction’ meant the singing continued, with the crowd bouncing as one during ‘Scar’. ‘Better’ just gets better with time and ‘October Grey’ was delivered with near perfection. Drummer Cam McGlinchey was relentless on his drums again tonight as he battered his kit with aggressive precision throughout ‘Best of You’, with recent birthday boy Paul Woseen faultless with his bass work.
This was a fast paced set, with barely time to draw breath. ‘Sacrifice’ kept us all in a sweaty mess before crowd favourite ‘FRC’ received the response it rightfully deserved… there is something magical about 700 people shouting “Fat Rich C*nt” in unison. ‘Helping Hand’ is always a fitting way to close and judging but the energy that had been released in the venue tonight, many would have needed just that.
The Screaming Jets never disappoint and after the success of the 30th Anniversary of ‘All For One’ I did wonder what they were going to tour with next… an historic trip through the albums was a perfect follow up. Rumours of a new album later in the year have fans excited, not only for the new material but also with the knowledge The Screaming Jets are here to stay. Rock on!
A big thanks to Starr Special Events and his staff for having us.
GALLERY by Hunter Brothers Media
Pricey
The Screaming Jets
