jet live at manchester’s o2 ritz

★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

**JET PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER'S O2 RITZ**
**PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY**

As the lights dimmed in the packed venue, the eager crowd was ready for a night of nostalgia with JET, but before the main act, rising psych-rock band Tempesst took the stage, and it’s safe to say they left an indelible mark.

From the moment they struck the first chord, Tempesst captivated the audience with a swirling blend of psych-rock, folk, and indie sounds. Their opening track, "Mushroom Cloud," set the tone with its lush harmonies and retro-tinged melodies, reminiscent of the golden era of '60s and '70s rock. With frontman Toma Banjanin's charismatic presence and distinctive falsetto, the band quickly drew listeners into their expansive, almost cinematic world.

While supporting a band as iconic as JET could have been daunting, Tempesst more than held their own. They were tight, professional, and confident, clearly seasoned from years of performing but still carrying the freshness of a band with much to say. By the time they wrapped up their set with the euphoric “Is This All That There Is?”, many in the crowd seemed converted fans.

Tempesst's performance was a perfect warm-up for JET, offering a modern yet timeless sound that complemented the headliner’s classic rock roots. As the final applause rang out for the support act, it was clear that Tempesst had not only delivered an unforgettable set but had also made many in the audience excited to follow their future endeavors.

The lights dimmed, the buzz of anticipation grew, and suddenly the unmistakable chords of JET's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" blasted through the speakers, sending the crowd into a frenzy. This wasn't just another rock show—it was JET's highly anticipated anniversary tour, celebrating the career of one of the 2000s' most iconic rock bands. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear that this night was a celebration of their legacy, and they were ready to deliver.

Opening with their breakthrough hit was a bold move, and it paid off. The crowd erupted, singing every word back at the band as frontman Nic Cester strutted across the stage, his signature swagger still intact after all these years. The energy in the room was electric, a testament to the timelessness of their music and the excitement of hearing these songs live once again.

As the night progressed, JET took the audience on a journey through their discography, mixing smash hits with deeper cuts. "Cold Hard Bitch" brought the raw power of early 2000s rock back to life, while the more mellow "Look What You've Done" had the crowd swaying in unison, illuminating the room. Cester's vocals were as strong as ever, effortlessly hitting the highs and growls that made him such a standout frontman. His chemistry with the rest of the band—brother Chris Cester on drums, bassist Mark Wilson, and guitarist Cameron Muncey—was palpable, their performance tight and polished, yet still retaining the gritty edge that made them famous.

The sound quality was impeccable from the first note to the last encore. Every instrument had a distinct presence in the mix, with Nic Cester's gritty, unmistakable vocals cutting through with clarity and power. The booming basslines and pounding drums reverberated through the venue, shaking the floor without overpowering the overall mix.

The setlist wasn’t just a nostalgic trip but also a showcase of the band’s growth. Tracks like "Shine On"and "Seventeen"revealed a more mature, reflective side of JET, blending emotional depth with their signature rock sound. The band also seemed to revel in the freedom of their anniversary tour, taking moments between songs to chat with the audience, reminisce about their early days, and express their gratitude for the fans who stuck with them over the years.

By the time the last notes rang out, it was clear that JET hadn't lost a step. Their anniversary tour felt less like a nostalgic reunion and more like a reminder of why they were one of the defining bands of their era. JET didn’t just perform—they reignited the spark that made them legends in the first place. It was a night that left everyone with the satisfying reminder that true rock ‘n’ roll never dies.