The Australian hard rock band that once caused a medical emergency in Sydney
In short: Before they were ARIA chart-toppers, The Screaming Jets were infamous for a chaotic live reputation. Their early shows were so raucous they frequently resulted in physical altercations and hospital visits, fueled by a clash between loyal Newcastle fans and new Sydney crowds.
Formed in 1989 in Newcastle, New South Wales, The Screaming Jets emerged from the high school band Aspect, which featured members like Grant Walmsley and Dave Gleeson who had been performing together since 1981. The group quickly gained notoriety not just for their music, but for the volatility of their performances. During the launch of their debut EP, *The Scorching Adventures of the Screaming Jets*, in late 1990, shows became legendary for their violence. At one event at The Kardomah Cafe in Sydney, the chaos was so intense that several people required medical attention for injuries ranging from broken noses and broken legs to heat exhaustion.
Despite this reputation, the band achieved significant commercial success on the Australian ARIA Charts. Their 1991 single "Better" reached number 4, and their debut studio album, *All for One*, peaked at number 2. The band's sound drew heavy influence from rock giants like AC/DC and Van Halen. They also became known for controversial tracks like "F. R. C.", a crowd favorite that was released internationally.
The band's history is marked by significant lineup changes and even a mid-flight incident. In August 2000, the group was famously removed from an Impulse Airlines flight after performing a rendition of "Puff The Magic Dragon" on a Boeing 717-200, an act lead vocalist Dave Gleeson described as a deliberate attempt to garner press. While the band has seen members like Walmsley depart and others like Jimi Hocking return, they remained a staple of the Australian rock scene through decades of touring, even releasing their tenth studio album, *Professional Misconduct*, in 2023, shortly after the death of co-founder and bassist Paul Woseen.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Screaming Jets
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-the-screaming-jets.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
