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Tomorrow Never Knows: The Silverchair Story
A New Tomorrow tells the complete and unexpurgated story of Silverchair. Apter documents how Johns and his two schoolmates, drummer Ben Gillies and bassman Chris Joannou, graduated from the loft above the Gillies' family garage to centerstage of Madison Square Garden—all within the time it typically takes most bands to record their first single. When the dust settled and they discovered their debut album, Frogstomp, had sold almost three million copies. Silverchair was then faced with an even bigger challenge, as they attempted to prove they were much more than "Nirvana In Pyjamas." With the release of their 2002 masterpiece, Diorama, Silverchair firmly established their own musical identity, while Johns has developed into a songwriter with few peers in modern music. Featuring exclusive interviews with the band and all of those who have worked with Silverchair over their rollercoaster ride of a career, A New Tomorrow covers all of the band members' solo work, the Johns/Imbruglia nuptials, the band's "rebirth" at the WaveAid fundraiser, and a sneak preview of their new studio album.
- GenresMusicBiographyNonfiction
Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
4 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Apter
50 books50 followersJeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books, many dealing with the world of music. He has written biographies of Keith Urban, Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC, Jeff Buckley and the Bee Gees. As ghostwriter, he has worked with ARIA Hall of Famers Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, and AC/DC’s Mark Evans. He was also the creative consultant for the award–nominated live production A State of Grace: The Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley and spent four years on staff at Rolling Stone Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 22, 2015
I didn't even know this book existed so I was very happy to pick up a copy.
For the average music fan, curious about how fast success can unhinge a youthful band, this is an average though entertaining read.
For Silverchair fans, THIS IS ESSENTIAL reading!
Being the ONLY book available to explore Silverchair's remarkable rise to prominence, I was expecting a shallow and quick cash in. Instead, Jeff Apter, with official approval from the Silverchair estate and unrestricted access, has crafted a chronological and utterly exhaustive text that covers EVERY single aspect of this band's journey.
To the uninitiated, Silverchair were (they are now defunct) an alternative rock three piece from Australia that won a local demo competition at the age/s of fifteen and were swiftly signed to the biggest record label in the world, Sony. Ridiculous sales in the thousands led to the incredibly young band being thrust into the global limelight, causing such extreme pressures as to lead the frontman, Daniel Johns, to suffer from depression and anorexia, among other disorders. Five albums followed, all of varying styles, until boredom and a change in musical direction led to the band's breakup.
(I have a personal and longstanding relationship to Silverchair. They started around the time my band started. The singer is only five months older than me and I related HEAVILY to the music he was writing, leading me to write him a month into their career, only to receive a personal letter back and an autographed pic, which I still have. Their second album, Freak Show, shared a title that was the name of MY biggest song to date at that point. I went to EVERY single one of their UK shows like a devoted fan and even managed to gain the distinction of being the ONLY stagediver at their only London Astoria gig one year! My affection for the band was limitless. I say WAS because Daniel, after disbanding Silverchair, now makes what I can only describe as generic pop/rhythm and blues/hip hop. It's soul crushingly bad! I hope Daniel is happy doing it - because his once loyal fan base certainly isn't happy hearing it!)
Jeff Apter's book was written just before the fifth album but up till then, it was as complete a story of the band as you are ever likely to get. Each chapter focuses on a different period in their lives that co-incide with each album's release, drawing parallels with the tone and advancement of the music and the real life events that shaped it. It covers family life, musical influences, school history, personal revelations, detailed recording insights and is coupled with two RARE interviews with the band's manager, John Watson, and Silverchair frontman, Daniel Johns.
In closing, this is an exceptional book about the exceptional rise of three exceptionally talented youngsters. Their story reads like a dark fairytale and is at once an astoundingly impressive musical biography and a cautionary tale about the brutal effects of early success.
(Check out their debut, Frogstomp, and continually remind yourself that they were FIFTEEN at the time of recording!)
For the average music fan, curious about how fast success can unhinge a youthful band, this is an average though entertaining read.
For Silverchair fans, THIS IS ESSENTIAL reading!
Being the ONLY book available to explore Silverchair's remarkable rise to prominence, I was expecting a shallow and quick cash in. Instead, Jeff Apter, with official approval from the Silverchair estate and unrestricted access, has crafted a chronological and utterly exhaustive text that covers EVERY single aspect of this band's journey.
To the uninitiated, Silverchair were (they are now defunct) an alternative rock three piece from Australia that won a local demo competition at the age/s of fifteen and were swiftly signed to the biggest record label in the world, Sony. Ridiculous sales in the thousands led to the incredibly young band being thrust into the global limelight, causing such extreme pressures as to lead the frontman, Daniel Johns, to suffer from depression and anorexia, among other disorders. Five albums followed, all of varying styles, until boredom and a change in musical direction led to the band's breakup.
(I have a personal and longstanding relationship to Silverchair. They started around the time my band started. The singer is only five months older than me and I related HEAVILY to the music he was writing, leading me to write him a month into their career, only to receive a personal letter back and an autographed pic, which I still have. Their second album, Freak Show, shared a title that was the name of MY biggest song to date at that point. I went to EVERY single one of their UK shows like a devoted fan and even managed to gain the distinction of being the ONLY stagediver at their only London Astoria gig one year! My affection for the band was limitless. I say WAS because Daniel, after disbanding Silverchair, now makes what I can only describe as generic pop/rhythm and blues/hip hop. It's soul crushingly bad! I hope Daniel is happy doing it - because his once loyal fan base certainly isn't happy hearing it!)
Jeff Apter's book was written just before the fifth album but up till then, it was as complete a story of the band as you are ever likely to get. Each chapter focuses on a different period in their lives that co-incide with each album's release, drawing parallels with the tone and advancement of the music and the real life events that shaped it. It covers family life, musical influences, school history, personal revelations, detailed recording insights and is coupled with two RARE interviews with the band's manager, John Watson, and Silverchair frontman, Daniel Johns.
In closing, this is an exceptional book about the exceptional rise of three exceptionally talented youngsters. Their story reads like a dark fairytale and is at once an astoundingly impressive musical biography and a cautionary tale about the brutal effects of early success.
(Check out their debut, Frogstomp, and continually remind yourself that they were FIFTEEN at the time of recording!)
May 17, 2013
It was an interesting story but the writing style just down right sucked. It made it less personal and more cliche and typical. I would have loved to see at least Daniel Johns co write this book, but to me it felt like one big wikipedia article.
August 2, 2020
Love this band. The book has very interesting background stories, in particular to understand a little better Daniel's mind and sufferings. Unfortunately the book is not well written, full of cliches, typos and apparently there was no editor/reviewer before the release...
March 14, 2017
15 Year Old Daniel Johns, Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou went from rocking out in their parents garage’s to become one of Australia’s most successful rock bands. This first ever account of Silverchair details the albums, tours, highs and lows of being teenage rock stars, as well as candid interviews with the band include rare one on one interviews with Daniel Johns and Silverchair’s manager, John Watson. This amazing book is not to be missed.
I love Silverchair.
As a Silverchair fan I was so excited to read this book; and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down.
I grew up listening to and loving Silverchair, so this book was right up my alley. Getting to read about the bands highs and lows as if I was actually there with the boys was truly an amazing experience. Reading and learning more about Silverchair; especially the shy and captivating Daniel Johns was absolutely wonderful.
Jeff Apter did a marvellous job with this book; it was informative and inspirational. Jeff showed great skill and empathy in capturing the hardships that Daniel and the band faced over the years, while still keeping the book radiating positivity. Jeff Apter could teach a masterclass in great writing.
This book is a testament to both great writing and to an amazing band. What Silverchair achieved and the journey the band travelled paired with Jeff Apter’s skill as a writer makes for a great reading experience.
This book is a must have for any Silverchair fan.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
I love Silverchair.
As a Silverchair fan I was so excited to read this book; and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down.
I grew up listening to and loving Silverchair, so this book was right up my alley. Getting to read about the bands highs and lows as if I was actually there with the boys was truly an amazing experience. Reading and learning more about Silverchair; especially the shy and captivating Daniel Johns was absolutely wonderful.
Jeff Apter did a marvellous job with this book; it was informative and inspirational. Jeff showed great skill and empathy in capturing the hardships that Daniel and the band faced over the years, while still keeping the book radiating positivity. Jeff Apter could teach a masterclass in great writing.
This book is a testament to both great writing and to an amazing band. What Silverchair achieved and the journey the band travelled paired with Jeff Apter’s skill as a writer makes for a great reading experience.
This book is a must have for any Silverchair fan.
Written by Geramie Kate Barker
https://gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
May 26, 2014
Pretty straightforward, walks through the albums and tours from Frogstomp to Young Modern. Some good detail and behind-the-scenes info. As a biography it isn't epic or anything, it's written for fans and I can't imagine it being interesting to anyone who isn't one. I purchased the Kindle version from Amazon and I'm not sure whether it was a result of the digitizing process or what...but it was riddled with spelling errors. At least 10 very obvious ones. All in all I enjoyed reading it and listening to the albums again is definitely cool while reading about their creation. The author earned my $6 and clearly put some work into this, so I appreciate that.
October 15, 2009
as a silverchair fan i was happy to find this book had finally been written and published. it gives a good insight of the band from the early beginnings to the mechanics of their relationship as a band and how over the years it has changed.
it's easy to read and if you're a silverchair fan from way back, a must read.
it's easy to read and if you're a silverchair fan from way back, a must read.
August 3, 2010
The complete and unexpurgated biography of arguably one of the best bands to come out of Australia. It includes interviews from all the major players involved in the rise and rise of the powerhouse that is Silverchair! A fantastic read for fans and potential fans!
August 7, 2015
It's called 'The Silverchair Story', but it's the chance to peel back the layers of Daniel Johns' life that most people will be looking for here. And with no meaningful revelations, I'd say this is one for fans only.
December 25, 2014
Good source of information. Bad writing, crass typos and mistakes.
October 27, 2018
Good
As a longtime silverchair fan rediscovering my love for thirty music and career, I find this book to be adequate in providing some more intimate details than what one would find in basic interviews/articles. While I'm a huge fan of Daniel, the book was light on perspective from Ben and Chris.
As a longtime silverchair fan rediscovering my love for thirty music and career, I find this book to be adequate in providing some more intimate details than what one would find in basic interviews/articles. While I'm a huge fan of Daniel, the book was light on perspective from Ben and Chris.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews