Love & Pain

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

By: Ben Gillies, Chris Joannou

Narrated by: Ben Gillies, Chris Joannou

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou (P)2023 Hachette Australia Audio

emotional and brilliant

loved every second of this story. takes you on an emotional Rollercoaster and can't believe Silverchair ended like that.

Great read for all fans

I enjoyed the book and the stories. I appreciated the fairness of the book to Daniel and the fact that is was a space for Chris and Ben to share their memories and experiences. So thankful for this closure.

Lovely & Painful

I was such a huge Silverchair fan growing up. Throughout their career, I felt like I was living their songs. It sounds cliche. But their music saved my life throughout my youth. Even through their growth musically, I enjoyed their craft. I was heartbroken upon the news of their hiatus/breakup.
Since following them I, like so many other fans, have tried to piece together their journey via social media. After listening to this book, I felt like I was taken on an incredible journey. I felt like I was living the life of Silverchair. It was fun. It was magical. Then it was tragic. I enjoyed both Ben and Chris’s narration of their own story. If only Daniel were a part of the story… There is that hope of a reunion. Much love to all of you. Thank you for being part of my youth. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for sharing your life with mine. ❤️🤘🏼

This book was a great trip back to my teenage years.

My favorite thing about the audio book was hearing Ben and Chris’ voices. It’s a great behind the scenes story about what the guys went through from the beginning. SC is one of my favorite bands and I wish they were still making music together. After watching Daniel’s interviews and listening to the book you get the full picture of how things ended and how they stand now.
As a fan I really enjoyed the book and will definitely listen to it again.

So much nostalgia

Silverchair was a huge part of my musical youth. Being only a few years younger than them, I, like many of their fans, felt a kinship to the band. They were so close and attainable to our own lives experiences (minus the crazy touring and performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people).

I’m glad Chris and Ben decided to put their story out there. Having Daniel involved would have obviously rounded out the retelling of the Silverchair history, but barring that, this was a great look into the real life stories of two blokes I looked up to as a wee teen and would have wanted to be friends with. I’m happy they have both found love and purpose in their wives and families. It grounds them as what the fans always saw them as, one of us.

I hope Daniel is able to find happiness and contentment in the same way, though historically, that tends to be more difficult for the “creative genius” types whose minds and emotions spin endlessly.

I don’t leave reviews, but with Silverchair having held such an important place in my youth, I felt compelled to express my thoughts. Thanks for the music and stories gents. Cheers!

Oh my god this is good. Must read

I was a young Newy boy just old enough to go to clubs when these guys got started and I remember seeing them many times. This is an amazing look behind the curtain. Thank you so much for writing this guys. You made a difference in this guys life even though you have never met me. This is a must read.

Unbelievable story

One of a kind story about a one of a kind band. Amazing all the way through.

Nostalgia galore

Silverchair was such an integral piece of my adolescence and this was a brilliant walk down memory lane, as well as being a devastating journey through the trauma of their experience. I am really glad that I listened to the story though, as it also provided me with some much needed closure where silverchair is concerned. Highly recommend for any silverchair fan.

The book I didn't know I needed in my life

Thanks, Ben and Chris, for the only closure we may ever get as Silverchair fans. I loved every minute of listening. I'm so glad they read their own parts. I could hear the smiles and the emotions in their voices. Will listen more than once.

Frogs & Llamas

Silverchair were one of Australia's most successful alternative rock bands. When the band quit in 2011, many of us were devastated as we were expecting a new album instead! Ben & Chris tell their side of the story and give answers to the burning questions we all have had for years. They openly talk about child stardom, mental illness, addictions, and their complicated relationship with Daniel Johns.

Ben & Chris are both happily married fathers now and have a new outlook on life. I consider myself a hardcore fan and was absolutely shocked to read about the difficulties Chris had gone through after the band. I also did not know about Ben's personal struggles he had to overcome. Their perseverance and strength through their family, kids, and friends was very inspiring.

I loved that they narrated this book themselves. It was a fantastic listen I could not put down. Be forewarned it is not read in chronological order. It weaves between eras which may be confusing to some listeners. If you can find it, I recommend watching the documentary that correlates with this book. Is this closure or is the story not over yet? Only time will tell.