Silverchair ProfileThough it's been 15 years since they announced an "indefinite hibernation", Newcastle icons Silverchair have united in a way that feels only fitting for the Steel City trio – to cheer on the Newcastle Knights.
The Knights are one of the two teams who will be going head-to-head at the NRL Grand Final on October 4th, with the Sydney Roosters also in contention for the top honour.
While the Roosters have managed to nab 15 premierships over the years, the Knights are far less decorated. In fact, their first premiership was in 1997 (the same year as Silverchair's Freak Show), while their second was in 2001 (just months before Silverchair dropped Diorama).
Now, Newcastle's biggest exports have taken to social media to share their support for the hometown team.
"Is this thing still on?" the band's post began. "For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something: GO KNIGHTS!!!
"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."
Notably, the band's post coincided with the recent saga surrounding which acts may play at the NRL Grand Final this weekend.
Last week, reports emerged that negotiations with Tones And I had apparently fallen through, leaving the main event without a pre-match entertainment headliner.
Sources claimed the negotiations broke down because the NRL insisted Tones play her 2019 hit, Dance Monkey. However, her team confirmed that prior commitments touring with Macklemore in the US left her unable to accept the offer when it was put to her earlier this month.
While Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, initially said there would be entertainment at the event, he since backflipped, though refused to name any particular act.
With Newcastle in the Grand Final and speculation rising, fans quickly turned their attention to the long-dormant Silverchair and whether they may make an appearance.
"Thanks to everyone who's asked if we're playing before the game," the band continued. "We're way 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.
"Wishing the Newy players all the luck in the world this Sunday," they concluded. "UP THE KNIGHTS!!! From The Chair."
Notably, it's the first message from the trio in some time, given the fact that the band's members have occasionally clashed over the years.
In 2023, bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies took part in an episode of Australian Story ahead of the publishing of their tell-all memoir about Silverchair, Love & Pain.
The year prior, Daniel Johns had addressed the rift between his bandmates, singling out Gillies and previous clashes the pair had engaged in.
"To be honest, I've tried to mend that bridge," Johns said. "I've tried and I've gone out of my way to speak positively about him, even when I did my podcast."
At the time, he also addressed prior attempts to reconcile with his bandmates, and reiterated his stance that Silverchair would never again perform under that name, having previously claimed he would never reform the band "for a million dollars with a gun to my head".
