Underground band to support Stones (aus)

[Wenchie]

Band Jet joins Stones age
By Nui Te Koha
January 15, 2003


AN UNDERGROUND Melbourne band with no live experience has been picked by Mick Jagger to support the Rolling Stones.
Jet, a four piece from Dingley formed only 10 months ago, beat a who's who of Australian music talent to score the coveted Stones support slot.

It marks another giant leap for Jet, who enjoy darling status with the UK music press and a US record deal worth a reported $3 million.

"The Rolling Stones want something that fits the tour, but they don't want to go the conventional way either," a Stones tour insider told the Herald Sun.

"That is why Jet got in there. Jet is an up and coming, vibey new band. The Stones are the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world: it's a good musical fit."

Jet was handpicked by Mick Jagger, Stones guitarist Keith Richards and their world tour promoter, Michael Cohl.

Late yesterday, Jet's manager Dave Powell confirmed an approach from the Stones.

"We are ecstatic and we are very, very honoured," Powell said.

"The way things have gone for us in the last 10 months has been incredible. The boys are champing at the bit to play with their heroes.

"It will help with their songwriting. It will give them experience with big crowds. It is a time to learn and grow."

Jet - Nick Sester, Chris Sester, Cameron Muncey and Mark Wilson - won the support slot over a list that included Australia's rock royalty.

The Stones' Australian tour promoter Paul Dainty was reportedly swamped by hundreds of offers.

"Every big name act in the land you can think of sent in a submission," the insider said.

Dainty declined to comment.

In other Stones tour developments, the band's accommodation scout arrives in Australia this week to finalise five-star arrangements for Jagger and Co.

A shortlist of Melbourne hotels is being considered and tour sources say an entire floor will be booked for band members and family.

"That is the usual protocol with a Rolling Stones tour," a source said. "It gives the band members and their families absolute privacy."

Jagger, who travels with five personal assistants, may rent a seaside mansion in either Sydney or Melbourne and travel to interstate shows on a private jet.

Jagger preferred that option, staying at Dainty's Sydney home, when he toured solo in 1988.

"Mick has yet to decide on his sleeping arrangements," a source said.

And tour insiders say Range Rover is sending out four latest model four-wheel-drives for the Stones' driving pleasure.

The vehicles, worth $150,000 each, will be shipped from the UK to Sydney.

The Stones are chartering a Qantas 747 jet to cart a 250-strong entourage to Australia.

Jet have been in their current line-up for 10 months. Their live experience comprises of low-key pub shows.

The band has delayed recording its debut album later this month to tour with the Stones.

"People say we're over-hyped, but at the end of the day it is a band with catchy tunes, three singers, and the songs are really good," Dave Powell said.

"Mick Jagger ain't no dummy. The Stones have gone across with this tour taking in the really cool bands. We are honoured they even listened to us."

The Rolling Stones' third and final show at Rod Laver Arena, on March 1, goes on sale tomorrow.

Herald Sun