local hero’s

Silverchair - the local boys from Newcastle High

Rockin’ around the streets of Newcastle with their baggy jeans and long hair in the 1990’s doesn’t seem that long ago. Since releasing their first album ‘Frog Stomp’ in 1995, the band and its members have come a long way. 

Front man and lead singer Daniel Johns, drummer Ben Gillies and base player Chris Joannou make up what has been accredited as one of Australia’s most successful bands. Being a massive fan myself makes this an interesting piece for me to write - especially when locals tell me that Silverchair (previously known as the Innocent Criminals) used to charge 20c to see them play during the lunch break at school (damn parents, why didn’t we move to Newcastle earlier?!). 

In 1995 the boys released their first track called ‘Tomorrow’. I wonder if they knew what type of response they would get because I am sure they didnt think that a garage band made up of 14 year olds would take the world and the charts by storm.

As a band, Silverchair has overcome highs and lows of being famous while dealing with personal issues of their own. Daniel Johns not only beat the darkness of Anorexia but also over came the crippling effects of Arthritis.

The album ‘Neon Ballroom’ was released in 1999 which I think really captured what was happening in the boys life at that time. Tracks like  ’Ana’s Song’ and ‘Emotion Sickness’ clearly reflect John’s battle with Anorexia, with lyrics such as: 

”And you’re my obsession
I love you to the bones
And Ana wrecks your life
Like an Anorexia life”

Overcoming all obstacles has shown this band was built for testing times. Their love for music and what they do has made them prevail.

”The way I see it the first album was naivety, the second one was anger, the third one was depression and the last one was escapism. Young Modern is all about acceptance. It’s about embracing who we are as band and just really enjoying ourselves because that’s all that really matters.” (Johns)

I remember reading an article where the boys were asked, if music wasnt your life, what would it be? Ben replied with, ”well, at the age of 25, id have to go and get my first job because this is all I have known to do!”. 

Thanks for the music xx