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

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.

emotional and brilliant

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

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.

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.

Good book

The structure was a little random. But was a great book that helped get the other side of the store and a bunch of fun stories from their band days.