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Love & Pain

The epic times and crooked lines of life inside and outside Silverchair

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About this listen

 SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2024

This is the powerful, untold story of two of the three members of Silverchair, Australia's most awarded musical act. From their beginnings in Ben Gillies' garage, this trio of high school kids from Newcastle, New South Wales, became famous with their smash-hit single 'Tomorrow', setting them on a path to domination of the Australian charts, worldwide touring and fame.

So much has been written about Silverchair over the years but very little has been said by the band's members. In Love & Pain, childhood friends Ben Gillies (drummer) and Chris Joannou (bass player) tell us tales about growing up across the road from each other and starting in Silverchair, wild stories from the peak of their days in the spotlight, and the ups and downs of how their lives have panned out since.

While there are some funny, unforgettable rock 'n' roll stories, there is also all the love and pain that came with being in the band: the cost of fame and intense pressure on two 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. Gillies and Joannou write with vulnerability and raw and blistering honesty, making for an extraordinary account of a band adored by so many. Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Funny
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A great collection of stories. I’m in the uk was a fan of Silverchair since 1995 but aside from seeing them at gigs here there was no real press on the band. This is an amazing insight in the rise and legacy of a group who changed and shaped my life and who’s music now shapes my children’s future and love of music. I’m so grateful they took the time to write and record this.

What a fantastically written story

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it really is a story of highs and lows of the band and I didn't ever expect some rock bottoms which were explained.

Possibly one of my first childhood loves. Silverchair weren't that much older than me when they hit stardom and were a big inspiration for me to pick up a guitar. It's fantastic to hear their adventure but I can't say I'm not a bit sad that there wasn't another book's length breakdown of the Diorama sessions...Maybe one day we will be graced with a deep B-side box set of all set aside material.

it's a brave book and I'm very glad to have read it. wonderfully read by the rhythm section of one of the most experimental and genre pushing bands of my youth.

Cheers for the inspiration Ben and Chris.

Enjoyed every minute

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It was a really good listen, Gives you a good perspective of what the boys went through

Wow really enjoy the book

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Great listen, really well executed. As another reviewer said, the way they skip timelines with stories makes it all the more interesting.

I went into the book thinking there might be some bitterness about the band, and in places there is. But I get the feeling after listening that it goes a lot deeper than that. Despite everything, they want their friendship with Daniel back, and I guess the gripe is that maybe this book could do more harm than good. Still, as Ben and Chris say, it's their story to tell as much as anyone's, and I'm really glad they did.

One of the really great parts of this story is the insight into the business side of things; how they were courted by labels, how promotion in different areas affected their trajectory and how they were managed by Watto and their respective families.

This isn't just for Silverchair fans. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in music from their era.

Great Listen

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A few digs at Dan but overall, I got the feeling of love from both. It was very insightful to hear their story too.

Insightful, loving and balanced.

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