When silverchair released their debut album, Frogstomp, they were 15 years old. Now, at 19, these young Australians (guitarist/vocalist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies) are worshipped by millions of fans worldwide. Their current album, Neon Ballroom, finds the band moving toward a newfound lyrical maturity which parallels their growth to young adulthood.

"When we finished Freak Show, I really thought that we'd taken the three-piece rock thing as far as we could," says Johns. "I wanted to make an album that combined lots of different sounds and instruments that you don't usually hear played together."

That largely describes Neon Ballroom, which features the single "Anthem For The Year 2000" - another huge hit, and their strongest success to date. Where Frogstomp was recorded in one week, it took Daniel Johns six months in isolation just to write the songs for Ballroom.

But that solitude provided Johns' necessary refuge from the anxiety that he has experienced as a result of fame, and other personal stresses. Ironically, the band's very success makes him an object of the sort of worship that only aggravates his emotional tension. But that hasn't stopped the band from touring as one of the hardest- rocking live acts in the world today.

"We didn't ever have any warnings [about fame]," says Johns, "and we were never told how to handle it.'

Although silverchair were sometimes dismissed early on for their young age - just as Serial Joe are currently finding pockets of resistance - they've evolved into one of the most popular bands in the world. Now that silverchair are back on the road, look for them to prove themselves once again with every ass-kicking live show that they play on the EdgeFest tour.

RUN DATA
WHAT RECORDINGS ARE YOU LISTENING TO THESE DAYS?
DANIEL: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath, Out of Step by Minor Threat, Instrument by Fugazi
CHRIS: The Meters, Beastie Boys and Barkmarket

WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING THESE DAYS?
DANIEL: Ham On Rye by Charles Bukowski
CHRIS: Motor (car) magazines are about it

DAWSON'S CREEK: TEEN POP CULTURE PHENOMENON OR PIECE OF CRAP?
DANIEL: It's not in the same league as Beverly Hills 90210

FAVOURITE SIMPSONS QUOTE?
DANIEL: "What's the point in going out - you're only going to come back home eventually." - Homer

DISCOGRAPHY
Neon Ballroom (1999, Epic/Sony)
Freak Show (1997, Epic/Sony)Frogstomp (1995, Epic/Sony)

WEBSITE
www.chairpage.com