Silverchair return

"YOU are not at work tonight!" Daniel Johns announced at Silverchair's much-anticipated return to the world stage last night - in front of more than a 1000-strong crowd of besotted fans and industry supporters at the Carriageworks in Redfern.

Johns walked on in an all-black suit and walked off triumphant, sweaty and bare-chested -having re-established his Rock God status with a concert that showcased Silverchair's return as a man's band.

They were watched by John's wife, singer Natalie Imbruglia, and the band's family and partners -plus privileged competition winners, many of whom had feared the band that began with a boom 13 years ago would never perform again.

Imbruglia flew home to enjoy the most significant moment in the band's history and her husband's career after five years away from the spotlight.

Silverchair's new and fourth album Young Modern has already claimed the No. 1 spot – even though it goes on sale for the first time today – based on iTunes and retail preorders of more than 70,000.

The first single, Straight Lines, whipped the crowd into a singalong frenzy last night having spent the last two weeks at the top of the ARIA charts.

Johns - who looked more comfortable in his own skin than ever before - chatted amiably with the crowd, demanding drinks. He even lead a chorus of Happy Birthday for gig-only addition Adam, their keyboard player.

Showing how far they have come since their song Tomorrow, television leading lights Tom Williams, Chris Hemsworth, Holly Brisley and Toni Pearen lapped it up with rugby league's Willie Mason and Mark Gasnier.

Also rocking out were Grinspoon's Pat Davern and Phil Jamieson, the singer looking fresh from recent treatment for addiction to the drug ice. Jamieson was celebrating his wife Julie giving birth to their second daughter Avita this week.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21489812-5001026,00.html