Silverchair were back in flight at The Great Escape festival last Friday, playing a mix of old favourites and new tunes to a berserk and mainly teenage crowd. While they may not be so cool to like for a man of my advanced age (26) i do have a soft spot for them.
Back in my teenage years they were one of the first Australian bands i went to see play at all ages shows with the likes of Spiderbait, Regurgitator and Tumbleweed. With heavy music, brimming with anger the young Daniel Johns, afflicted with Kurt Cobainesque looks, was always so bitter and tortured. Qualities that make for a cliched but compelling rock frontman.
I hadn’t seen them play in over 6 years so was quite surprised at the Silverchair of today. They’re still a tight band, but one that’s relaxed and having fun with a flamboyant frontman revelling in the attention of the crowd. The music’s changed too, with more swirling, complicated arrangements compared to the heavy riffage of the past.
They say music is the soundtrack to your life and Silverchair were the backing to my own awkward teenage years. It’s rewarding to see we’ve both grown up to become quite content and comfortable in our own skin.
Be reminded of the Silverchair of years past with this mp3 of Pure Massacre. (via tmwsiy)
You’re only as advanced as you feel!
26 is young! YOUNG YOUNG YOUNG!!!
*notices lines on face*
*cries*
Nice pics btw. Impressed as ever.
Beautifully put dano.
You’ve got me all nostalgic now Dan.
I still remember getting drunk on cheap cask wine in a park before those all-ages Spiderbait, Regurgitator and Tumbleweed shows at Manly Youth Centre.
Seems like it was only yesterday
Scary to think it was about 10 years ago now.
Great pics and write-up Dan. Always good to hear someones experiences of their musical influences.
‘Diorama’ was such a progression for the band, one which I’m glad they (needed and) took. I’m sure the next album will be just as great.
I thought they were tight and professional . Shows how long theyve been in the business seeing as they are still so young for a band with that kind of professionalism when performing.
I felt old amongst the teen crowd and I wanted to throw things at Paul Mac, but I agree they’ve come a long way.
Sean was also reminiscing about seeing them as a teenager.
The last shot of Daniel is really good, Dan.
yeah, what’s with paul mac? since when did he become fourth member of silverchair?
i too have grown up with silverchair. the great escape performance renewed my love for the band… and also made me wonder about the new direction that the band has taken.
at times, i kept thinking “i want daniel to be angry again and write songs off neon ballroom”
diorama is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
new unreleased silverchair material is so-so.
when they played emotion sickness i burst into tears right there at the festival. that’s only happened to me once before (radiohead 2004)
Great words and great pics Dan. I’m feeling all nostalgic now.
diorama was marvellous, I really look forward to hear the new album, considering the demos I heard, I will be devastatingly beautifull.