Johns reveals how close Silverchair came to GF reunion

With Newcastle being swept up in Grand Final fever ahead of Sunday’s big game, Matty Johns has revealed how close one of Newcastle’s greatest exports, Silverchair, came to reuniting.

The three-man band most known for hits like ‘Straight Lines’, ‘Freak’ and ‘Tomorrow’ were one of the biggest Australian music acts during the 1990s and 2000s.

And following the Knights’ incredible preliminary final win against Penrith on Sunday to make their first Grand Final in 25 years, there were plenty of calls for the band from Newcastle to reunite and perform at the Grand Final as the pre-game entertainment despite not having played together since 2010.

But on Wednesday night, Silverchair released a statement confirming they wouldn’t perform but threw their support around their hometown side.

“For the first time in ages, the three of us actually agree wholeheartedly about something: GO KNIGHTS!!!,” it said.

“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.

“Thanks to everyone who’s asked if we’re playing before the game. 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.”

But the 1997 Premiership player noted the trio came very close to performing before some sage advice from the band’s manager.

“It was,” Johns explained on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“It was Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou; they were keen. The big one was Daniel (Johns), but it almost happened.

“I'll tell you what they've got. Silverchair have got a very, very good manager who looked after the interests, and he's done them a solid here.

“Like, there were a lot of things that probably wasn't gonna make it quite happen, and it was just all too late.

“But their manager, John Watson, he said to them, and it is so true when you think of it, he goes, ‘Hey guys, you gotta understand, you haven't played for a long time’.

“The last thing you want is coming off two days' notice, getting up there and everyone going. ‘Oh my God, it's Silverchair, and then people are going, oh God, that was Silverchair’.

“When you make the comeback, it's gotta be big. The great thing about it that really encourages me if this Grand Final can be a part of getting this band back together.

“For me, hopefully that is the first moment that can bring that band back.”

After the NRL initially stated there would not be any pre-game entertainment, it has been reported that Amy Shark, The Screaming Jets, Peking Duk, Teen Jesus, the Jean Teasers and Grinspoon will sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as Jai Arrow does a lap of honour around Accor Stadium.

The NRLW and NRL Grand Finals take place on October 4.

SEN will have live coverage of the matches across our radio network and on the SEN app from 12pm AEDT, with kick-off at 4pm and 7:30pm, respectively.