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The Screaming Jets’ new take on old classics

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Legendary Newcastle band The Screaming Jets will release a five-track EP called BITTER PILL next month.

After facing cancelled tours and an uncertain future due to COVID-19, the Jets were determined to use their time in lockdown to create new music.

Months of weekly Zoom meetings, which started out as impromptu late afternoon drinking sessions, saw the band selected five iconic and much-loved songs – tracks that have stood the test of time over their 30-year career – and given them a fresh paint job.

It all started with a makeover of one of their classics, Helping Hands. The new track, Helping (Washed) Hands, hit social media in May.

In less than six months, over 200,000 excited fans streamed it. With such great support, the Jets decided to take it a step further.

Other classic tracks, Shivers, Friend of Mine, Sad Song and October Grey, were then reworked and re-recorded, while still paying the utmost respect to the originals. 

While the band is confident each song has stood the test of time, it hopes these remixes will continue to entertain fans for years to come.

New drummer Cameron McGlinchey said the project continued to grow in importance as things evolved around them.

“What started out as a heartfelt offering of one song in tough circumstances for our community, has morphed into five songs, visual accompaniments, and interview-style insights,” he said.

“It’s a sincere, fun continuation of a conversation this band has had with its devoted friends and fans for over 30 years.

“Ultimately, paying respect to the songs was the priority.”

It was important for The Screaming Jets to continue to honour the originals, so the band brought long-time friend Steve James back on board for this project.

James said it was inspiring to work on the songs again in isolation.

“The tracks haven’t dated a day since we worked on them all those years ago,” he said.

The Jets, formed in Newcastle in 1989, consist of originals members Dave Gleeson (vocals) and Paul Woseen (bass guitar/vocals), as well as Scott Kingman, Jimi Hocking (both guitar), and McGlinchey.

BITTER PILL will be digitally available on Friday 9 October, and can be preordered here.

Videos of the four remaining tracks will be released on YouTube in the coming weeks.

Gemma Ferguson

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