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One of the Biggest Rock Hits of 2003 Was Half-Written on the Toilet, Half in a Backyard Shed

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05.10.2026

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One of the Biggest Rock Hits of 2003 Was Half-Written on the Toilet, Half in a Backyard Shed

As a teenager, Nic Cester wrote Jet’s signature hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” in two strange places: a bathroom and a garden shed.

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In the early 2000s, we experienced a rock revival. With bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes emerging, fans were eager to see what came next. Suddenly, a band with a 70s look and a sound that blended The Who, AC/DC, The Beatles, The Faces, and The Rolling Stones emerged with a hit that brilliantly capitalized on the trend.

Jet released their debut single, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”, on August 18, 2003. A year prior, singer and guitarist Nic Cetser formed a garage band with guitarist Cameron Muncey. Soon after, Cester’s brother, Nic, joined on drums. For a short time, Doug Armstrong played bass until Mark Wilson joined from another local band.

In Melbourne,........

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