Dave Gleeson ready to “bring it”

As The Screaming Jets prepare to hit the stage at Redcliffe’s Where We Belong Festival on Saturday, June 27, frontman Dave Gleeson says fans can expect a full-throttle rock experience packed with energy, nostalgia and community spirit.

I recently spoke exclusively with Dave while he rugged up in chilly 10-degree weather in Adelaide, already looking ahead to warmer days and loud crowds on the Redcliffe waterfront.

“We are going to bring it,” Dave laughed.

“We’ve been around a long time and we know what it takes to rock out a festival. We’ll be playing all the big hits, songs people wouldn’t expect us to play and we’ll throw in a few covers we really enjoy doing too. It’ll be a full-on rock experience.”

The iconic Australian rock band has spent more than three decades touring across the country, including many shows throughout Queensland and the City of Moreton Bay, with Dave speaking passionately about the connection between live music, community and the next generation of performers.

“Over the 36 years The Screaming Jets have been together, we’ve played pretty much anywhere that would have us,” he said.

“We’ve travelled all over the world, but it’s always nice to play somewhere like Redcliffe where you’ve got the water, the natural beauty and that relaxed Queensland atmosphere to complement a great day of rock and roll.”

More than music

For Dave, festivals like Where We Belong are about far more than just the music.

“I live in a small country town and the community vibe is very strong,” he explained.

“People help each other out, pitch in and make sure no one gets left behind. Rock and roll has always had that same sort of supportive community.”

Looking at this year’s lineup, Dave lit up talking about the mix of established acts and emerging artists set to take the stage.

“I was looking at the bill and it looks absolutely amazing. There are bands we’ve played with before, including Large Mirage and Pricey, but seeing so many young bands coming through gives me a lot of hope for the future of live music.”

Reflecting on his own early years in the industry, Dave said younger bands learn the most by sharing stages and experiences with established acts.

“When I was starting out, we’d play with bands like Goanna, The Angels, The Radiators and The Vinyls. You wanted to stay around and watch the other bands because that’s how you learned,” he recalled.

“Of course there’s rivalry because everybody wants to blow each other off stage,” he laughed. “But at the same time you’re sharing guitars, amps and experiences. That’s how you get better at your craft.”

Despite decades of touring across Australia and overseas, Dave said the thrill of live performance has never faded, with the connection between artists and audiences remaining one of the most rewarding parts of performing.

“You create music because you enjoy making it, but then you get out there and play it to people and they connect with it. There’s nothing quite like that connection between performers and fans.”

With thousands expected to descend on Redcliffe for the festival, Dave promised The Screaming Jets would be bringing the same energy and passion that has kept the band rocking for more than 36 years.

“Hopefully the young bands can take something away from it, and hopefully people walk away saying they had an amazing time,” he said.

“That’s what festivals are all about.”

Ready to rock?

Where We Belong Festival, organised by Tribe Social Belonging, will be held at Settlement Cove Amphitheatre, Redcliffe, on Saturday, June 27, from 10am-10pm.

The Screaming Jets will headline the festival, with more than 20 acts performing across two stages. Tickets are $50 and children under 12 receive free entry.

Grab Tickets here.