On this day in 1995, a talented group of Australian teenagers released one of the most shocking yet defining albums of the ’90s.
Silverchair, a rock band that was active for 19 years, made a lasting impact on the industry by defying traditional expectations of how grunge bands typically emerge in Seattle, famously known as the birthplace of grunge rock.
These Newcastle natives turned heads not only because of their heritage, but also because their talent goes beyond measure.
Only having been freshmen in high school at the time of Frogstomp’s release, Silverchair quickly gained notoriety due to frontman and guitarist Daniel Johns’ nostalgic vocals. He was known for having a familiar cadence to other vocalists in grunge’s “Big Four,” such as Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.
Upon Frogstomp’s release, interviews were held honoring Daniel, drummer Ben Gillies, and bassist Chris Joannou’s gift of talent. The trio had cameras in their faces as they were navigating both school and the entertainment business.
An archival interview from their American tour in NYC in 1995 showcased not only their adolescent minds, but their mindset towards their new, critically acclaimed fame. Showcasing glimpses of the band performing Frogstomp’s most popular tracks “Israel’s Son,” “Tomorrow,” and “Pure Massacre,” Daniel and Chris also share memories of the creation of the album, getting signed to their first record deal, and balancing different responsibilities as rising superstars. As the interactive yet riveting interview ends, both Daniel and Chris are seen with their unserious personalities on stage, putting forth their truest authentic selves all in the name of grunge rock galore.
After their album debut, Silverchair quickly rose to massive success and broke multiple records, selling over 10 million copies of Frogstomp globally and reaching 2x Platinum in America, 6x Platinum in Australia, and 3x Platinum in Canada.
On the 25th anniversary of Frogstomp in August 2020, co-founder and drummer Ben Gillies did an interview with journalist and founder of Artist Waves Jeff Gorra. Gillies explains:
“It was a really exciting time when Frogstomp came out and everything just went berserk. We went and did some shows and people were going bananas, like absolutely bananas. We were just three dudes from Newcastle playing music and having a great time.
Years later, like now, you kind of realize what kind of effect you had on people’s lives. That’s pretty awesome, to be just a pivotal point in people’s lives and be that musical reference point for people to look back on. It’s really cool to be part of so many people’s lives, people that you will probably never meet. It’s kind of like you’re a soundtrack for people’s lives, it’s awesome.”
Ending the interview on a high, Gillies goes into further detail about how grateful he is for the fans, mentioning, “…appreciate the fans like, you know – you wouldn’t be where you are if it wasn’t for the people that actually bought your music and listened to it and support you.” As the interview neared its end, he drops the classic gem of doing it for the love of music, not for materialistic gain.
However, their time year as a trio came to an end in 2011, four years after their fifth and final studio album Young Modern. They announced an indefinite hiatus due to burnout, creative differences, and interpersonal conflict amongst the group. Although this was a major shock to fans, their legacy will forever live on among Xillennials from the 90s, as well as future alternative enthusiast who have yet to discover the hidden gem that is Silverchair.
Looking back on the masterpiece that is Frogstomp, don’t hesitate to commemorate this day by spinning the vinyl on repeat, play riffs on the air guitar riffs alone in your bedroom, or starting a conversation with a friend – basking in grunge nostalgia.
Stream / Listen to Frogstomp here: Youtube // Spotify // Apple Music
