20 Years Ago Today: Jet Take Flight with Their Debut Album ‘Get Born’

The record went on to sell over 4 million copies worldwide

On this day in 2003, Australian rock quartet Jet took off with the release of their watershed debut album, Get Born. The record, released through Elektra, soared to No. 1 in their native Australia, propelled by the hit singles “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Cold Hard Bitch,” and “Rollover DJ.” At a time when nu-metal was still saturating the American rock scene, Jet swooped in with a vintage sound that was also quite refreshing at the time.

“Thanks to everyone who bought a copy back in the day and to everyone who’s still listening to it,” Jet said on Thursday in a statement.

Recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, Jet worked with veteran producer Dave Sardy (Stone Temple Pilots, A Perfect Circle, Wolfmother) for Get Born. Singles like “Are You Gonna Be Girl” and “Cold Hard Bitch” became bonafide anthems at the time, dominating rock radio. Both songs still get airplay today. The groovy “Rollover DJ” gave the band a rare trifecta of hit singles, while the deep cut ballad “Come Around Again” gave balance to the rest of the fist-pumping record.

Recently, the band reflected on the album prior to embarking on a string of 20th anniversary tour dates.

“Get Born was a rare and unique moment of total planetary alignment where we somehow managed to capture lighting in a bottle,” frontman Nic Cester said.

Bassist Mark Wilson adds “I don’t remember much about the actual day Get Born was released. I think we were in Pittsburgh. I’m sure we celebrated, but to be honest we celebrated every night back in those days. 2003 was one big blurry haze for me.”

Jet’s last album was 2009’s Shaka Rock. The record arrived on August 19 via Real Horrorshow/EMI. It produced three singles – “She’s a Genius,” “Black Hearts (On Fire),” and “Seventeen.” The album peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and No. 11 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart. It debuted at No. 5 in the band’s native Australia. They toured in support of the record, which included a supporting run with Green Day across Australia.

In 2012, the band decided to call it quits.

“After many successful years of writing, recording and touring we wish to announce our discontinuation as a group,” the band said in a statement. “From the many pubs, theatres, stadiums and festivals all across the world it was the fans that made our amazing story possible and we wish to thank them all. Thank you, and goodnight.”

In 2017, Jet reunited and began performing again. They served as special guests Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on their sold-out Australian tour. The following year, they celebrated the 15th anniversary of their smash hit debut LP. The released the live album Get Born: Live at The Forum. The band last performed together in October of 2019.

Jet are set to kick off their Get Born 20th Anniversary Tour at The Forum in Melbourne on September 22. The brief trek features four exclusive shows in Australia. They will be playing the album in full. Due to a family issues and the fact that he lives in Los Angeles now, drummer Chris Cester will not be performing with the band on this run.

Sadly, Chris [Cester] (who lives in LA) won’t be making it out for the Aussie shows in September due to family reasons,” the band revealed on Wednesday. “He will be missed but we wish him well and greatly look forward to having him back on board real soon.”

Jet – Get Born [Elektra, 2003]

1. Last Chance
2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl
3. Rollover DJ
4. Look What You’ve Done
5. Get What You Need
6. Move On
7. Radio Song
8. Get Me Outta Here
9. Cold Hard Bitch
10. Come Around Again
11. Take It or Leave It
12. Lazy Gun
13. Timothy