How a Melbourne garage band became a global rock phenomenon in just two years

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Formed in 2001, the Australian quartet Jet rocketed from local pub gigs to international stardom with their 2003 debut, Get Born. Driven by the hit Are You Gonna Be My Girl, the band navigated massive success, internal friction, and multiple reunions to secure their place in the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Jet was founded in Melbourne in 2001 by brothers Nic and Chris Cester alongside Cameron Muncey, with Mark Wilson joining on bass in 2002. Influenced by classic rock acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, as well as the Australian band You Am I, the group quickly transitioned from playing school assemblies to headlining local venues like the Duke of Windsor hotel. Their debut EP, Dirty Sweet, sold out its initial 1,000-copy pressing in 2002, catching the attention of Elektra Records.

The band's 2003 debut album, Get Born, became a global success, reaching number one in Australia and achieving platinum certification in both the UK and the US. Its lead single, Are You Gonna Be My Girl, became a cultural staple, appearing in numerous films, video games, and advertising campaigns. By 2004, the band dominated the ARIA Music Awards, winning six categories including Album of the Year and Best Group. Despite this rapid ascent, the band faced internal challenges, leading to their initial disbandment in 2012.

Since 2016, Jet has navigated several reformations, including tours celebrating the 15th anniversary of Get Born and a 2023 reunion that saw them inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Following the departure of Chris Cester, the band has evolved, officially welcoming longtime touring members Louis Macklin and Pete Marin into the fold in 2025. Today, the group continues to record new material, marking a transition from their early garage-rock roots to a sustained, multi-decade career in the music industry.

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