If you can believe it, Silverchair’s Frogstomp turns 30 this month. To celebrate, a tribute event is set to go down in Sydney next week. Though don’t expect Daniel Johns to show up.
The anniversary celebration will take place on March 26 at the Metro Social, a venue that holds weight for Silverchair fans. It hosted some of the band’s earliest shows before they exploded in the mid-’90s. But this time, it’ll be drummer Ben Gillies and bassist Chris Joannou. They will also be joined by ex Triple J presenter Richard Kingsmill for a Q&A. Indie rockers The Buoys will handle the live set, performing songs off Frogstomp in tribute.
Released in March 1995, Frogstomp was a seismic moment in Australian rock. The band, barely out of high school debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and broke into the Billboard 200’s top 10. It was an achievement not seen since the likes of INXS. Anchored by singles like ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Pure Massacre’, the album earned five ARIAs and has sold over 10 million copies globally.
The 30th anniversary event follows the 2023 release of Love & Pain, a memoir penned by Gillies and bassist Chris Joannou. The book tracked the band’s rise from Newcastle teens to international rock staples. But Johns has made it clear he’s not interested in revisiting that chapter.
His absence is nothing new. He opposed ABC’s Australian Story doc tied to the book, citing unauthorised use of Silverchair’s music. In a public statement, Johns explained he was never given a copy of the memoir despite repeated requests. He also said he didn’t feel comfortable promoting a version of the band’s story he hadn’t read.
“I was and remain incredibly supportive of them telling their story,” he wrote. “But I haven’t been involved in the book and was uncomfortable being interviewed to help promote it.”
Even without Johns, the Frogstomp event is expected to draw loyal fans for a look back at one of Australia’s most defining rock debuts. Just don’t expect a reunion this one is strictly retrospective.
Tickets to this special event can be purchased here.
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