It’s been hyped as a “powerful, honest and untold inside story” of one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, Newcastle-based Silverchair.
And, on 27 September, two members of the iconic group – Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou – will reveal all in a new book, Love & Pain.
The joint memoir, published by Hachette Australia, tells the tales Silverchair’s fans have never heard, about how it formed, how they worked together and how they ended up.
An audiobook edition, narrated by childhood friends Gillies (drummer) and Joannou (bass player) in tandem, will also be released.
It’s understood frontman Daniel Johns was not involved in the publication of Love & Pain.
The trio established Silverchair as teenagers in 1992, releasing four albums – Frogstomp (1995), Freak Show (1997), Neon Ballroom (1999) and Diorama (2002) – before breaking up in 2003.
They reunited two years later and went on to release a fifth offering, 2007’s Young Modern.
Then, the band members went their separate ways again… for the final time in 2011.
So much has been written about Silverchair but very little actually said by the main players.
“When Ben and I first discussed the idea of writing a book, I realised it would be an opportunity to celebrate some of the awesome times the two of us shared and lived together, as well as reflect on some of the hard times – in the band and in our lives,” Joannou explained.
“Love & Pain is a keepsake for both of us.
“And, it’s a reminder that there is some beauty in addressing the truth of things, as well as paying respects to all aspects – good, bad and indifferent – of our story.”
From their beginnings in Gillies’ garage, the talented Novocastrians became famous with their smash-hit debut single Tomorrow.
It set the high school lads on a path to domination of the Australian charts, worldwide touring and fame.
There are some funny, unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll stories, along with all the “love and pain” that came with being in the band: the cost of fame and intense pressure on teenagers who had no way of preparing for it; the navigation of their friendships with each other and their relationships with friends and family members; the mistakes they made and the successes they cherished.
The pair writes with vulnerability and blistering honesty, making this an extraordinary account of a group adored by so many.
“Fundamentally, our story is a great one,” Gillies said.
“An extraordinary one.
“Some of it may seem beyond belief, but we lived it.
“We were there. It all happened.
“I want to document it for my sons to read when they’re old enough – and we owe it to our incredibly loyal fans.”
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