'Get Born': Jet's 20th Anniversary Show at the Troubadour Brings Raw Nostalgia and Rock Revival

For as long as I can remember, there’s been one band that’s held a deeper emotional connection for me than any other—Jet. Growing up, their music was the soundtrack to so many unforgettable memories, so when the 20th Anniversary Tour of Get Born was announced, I was ecstatic. It was more than a chance to hear my favorite songs live; it was a journey back to where it all started. I snagged two tickets on May 3rd for their last U.S. show of the tour at the Troubadour, on October 21st, and waited in eager anticipation.

Jet burst onto the rock scene in 2001, with brothers Nic (vocals, rhythm guitar, piano) and Chris Cester (drums, vocals), Cameron Muncey (lead guitar), and Mark Wilson (bass) forming the band’s core. Their debut album, Get Born, quickly climbed to the top of the Australian charts, with “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Look What You’ve Done” becoming global rock anthems. They followed up with Shine On in 2006 and Shaka Rock in 2009, cementing their place as rock icons and winning six ARIA Awards in 2004, including Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for Get Born. Although Jet disbanded in 2012, they briefly reunited in 2016 and again in 2019. Then, in June 2023, they thrilled fans by announcing a full Get Born Australian tour for September. However, just before the tour kicked off, the band shared that Chris, now based in Los Angeles, wouldn’t be able to join due to a family emergency. Drummer Pete Marin stepped in, and keyboardist Macklin rejoined for the tour.

In 2023, their reunion was capped by an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, a nod to their legacy as one of Australia’s greatest rock bands. Jet’s comeback reignited the fervor of their early days, proving that their music and influence endure.

When the Troubadour doors opened at 7, I was buzzing. Super American Eagle, a powerhouse psych-rock trio with Brent DeBoer of The Dandy Warhols, Dave Mudie from Courtney Barnett’s band, and Bob Harrow from Immigrant Union, opened the night with an electrifying set. They created the perfect bridge to Jet’s headlining performance, priming the packed venue for the night ahead.

The energy in the room was a tangible mix of nostalgia and excitement. As a fan first and a photographer second, I felt an overwhelming rush as Nic, Chris, Cameron, and Mark took the stage. They opened with a few songs from their later albums—“Money Mouth,” “She’s A Genius,” “Blackhearts,” and “Hurry Hurry”—and then launched into Get Born. Every note, every lyric transported me back to moments and memories tied to the album. Hearing them play “Timothy” was an emotional highlight. The song, a deeply personal dedication to Cameron’s late brother, is rarely performed live, making it a rare and moving experience to witness with the whole crowd singing along. Tears were shed as the entire venue resonated with the band’s energy in that unrepeatable moment.

They ended with an encore of “Shine On,” “Seventeen,” and “Rip It Up.” By the end, I felt both exhilarated and at peace, like I’d fully absorbed every moment of the two-hour set, even as I captured it through my lens. Standing there with my brother, taking photos of Jet at such an iconic venue, I knew I was living one of the best nights of my life. It’s nights like these, where music brings people together in such a powerful, personal way, that remind me why I do what I do.

Watching Nic own the stage, seeing Mark and Chris bring the rhythm to life, and feeling the crowd’s energy was magical. I can only hope they tour again soon, and maybe even release more music. But until then, this night is a memory I’ll hold close, a testament to the lasting power of music and the connection it creates.