Silverchair will not reunite for a special performance at Sunday’s NRL grand final between the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters, despite appeals from fans and former players.
Daniel Johns, the band’s former frontman, said he, bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies were united in backing Newcastle from the stands rather than taking to the stage.
“For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something. GO KNIGHTS,” Johns said in a social media statement.
He added: “It’s all about the Knights this weekend. We love how footy brings this community together and it’s pretty special watching the whole Steel City get behind the boys.”
Addressing suggestions that Silverchair could perform before kick-off, Johns said: “We’re too rusty, so sorry, no can do.”
“We won’t be taking the stage, but we’ll be supporting as loudly as everyone else and there in spirit,” he said.
The Newcastle connection has helped fuel hopes of an unlikely reunion. After the Knights won their maiden premiership in 1997, club great Andrew Johns famously “kidnapped” his namesake, dragging the then 18-year-old musician from bed while singing Silverchair’s chart-topping song Freak.
Andrew Johns and his brother Matthew said earlier this week that they had tried to contact Daniel Johns in the hope of arranging a one-off performance.
Silverchair last performed in 2010 and announced an “indefinite hiatus” the following year. In their 2023 memoir, Love and Pain, Joannou and Gillies described the band’s final period as an “emotional rollercoaster” and said they were unaware the group was ending until management alerted them that a press release was about to be issued.
Johns has previously ruled out a return, saying: “I wouldn’t even get Silverchair back together again for $1 million and a gun to my head.”
The NRL grand final entertainment has faced scrutiny after talks with Tones and I broke down, while Kylie Minogue attracted attention for her performance at the AFL grand final.
NRL chief executive Peter V’landys has teased a mystery 11-minute segment before kick-off at Accor Stadium. Jai Arrow will also complete a lap of honour as Australian musicians perform You’ll Never Walk Alone, in a tribute to the rugby league player and public campaigner in the fight against MND.
