Jet – First Avenue – Minneapolis MN – June 15th 2025

By Todd Johnson 2 weeks ago

Jet live at First Avenue in Minneapolis Minnesota on June 15th 2025

Review and photos by Todd Johnson

It’s a special kind of electricity that fills First Avenue when a veteran rock act takes the stage—and Band of Skulls, returning after a brief hiatus, wasted no time reminding everyone why they’ve long been one of the UK’s most compelling rock trios.

🔥 A Thunderous Start

Opening with “Sweet Sour”, they immediately locked in a tight groove. Russell Marsden’s razor-sharp guitar tone cut through the room like a blade, while Emma Richardson’s bass thundered with deep, melodic precision. Matt Hayward’s drumming? Relentless.

🎤 Balanced Vocals, Grit and Soul

One of the night’s strongest elements was the vocal interplay between Marsden and Richardson. On tracks like “Rip it Up” and “Bruises,” their harmonies danced between gritty and haunting, giving each song a weighty emotional pull. Emma took center stage for a soulful rendition of “Himalayan,” silencing the crowd in awe.

💥 Crowd Favorites and Deep Cuts

The band smartly leaned on their debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey to keep the longtime fans energized—“I Know What I Am” drew one of the loudest cheers of the night. But the set also featured deeper cuts from Himalayan and Love Is All You Love, which felt fresh and reworked slightly for a live setting, adding edge and surprise.

🔊 Sound & Lighting

First Avenue’s legendary acoustics did them justice. The mix was clear without sacrificing rawness. Lighting stayed moody and minimal, with deep reds and blues matching the band’s heavy blues-rock aesthetic.

🎸 Encore & Closing

Closing with “Light of the Morning” and “Death by Diamonds and Pearls,” both performed with furious intensity. No frills. Just a wall of sound and pure rock catharsis.

After years of relative silence and scattered reunion shows, Jet proved on June 15th that their brand of swaggering garage rock still hits with surprising force. Closing the night at the iconic First Avenue, they played like a band with something to prove—and delivered.

🎶 Straight Into the Fire

They hit the stage like a cannon blast with “Last Chance,” sending shockwaves through a packed crowd already warmed up by Band of Skulls’ sludgy blues-rock. Jet came ready with tight playing, sharp outfits, and the sort of cocky charm they’ve always worn well.

Nic Cester’s voice—still powerful and gravelly—pierced through the fuzzy wall of guitar as they followed up with “Pu Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” and “She’s A Genius.” The crowd, a mix of mid-2000s fans and curious newcomers, didn’t need long to buy into the nostalgia.

🧨 “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” Still Rules

Let’s not kid ourselves: “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” was the moment everyone waited for. And when that drum intro dropped, First Avenue exploded. The band didn’t phone it in—they owned it. The crowd sang every word. Phones were out, heads were bobbing. It was chaotic in the best way.

🎤 Cester Brothers Chemistry

A standout of the night was the dynamic between Nic and Chris Cester. Their banter felt genuine, like brothers who’ve weathered the industry storm and come out ready to rock again. Chris took over vocals on “Rip It Up,” and it added a fresh jolt of energy mid-set.

🎵 Deeper Cuts & Newer Material

Alongside their hits, Jet dug into a few deeper album tracks like “Move On” and “Shine On,” which brought a more introspective pause between the raucous rockers. They even played two new songs—still unnamed—carrying that vintage Jet sound but with a little more maturity, perhaps even a hint of psych-rock flair.

🎛️ Production & Atmosphere

Jet’s crew kept the visuals lean: gritty spotlights, minimal frills. It suited their aesthetic. First Avenue’s room pulsed like it always does—tight, loud, and intimate. Every riff felt close enough to touch.

🎤 Final Thoughts

Jet didn’t reinvent themselves, nor did anyone expect them to. What they delivered was an energized, well-paced reminder of why they blew up in the early 2000s—and how they’ve still got the chops to command a room in 2025.

Standout Moments:

  • “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” (of course)

  • Surprise debut of new material

  • Closing with AC/DC’s It’s A Long Way to the Top.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: Loud, loose, and unapologetically Jet. Rock isn’t dead—it’s just back on tour.