The rock icon who spent four years hiding behind closed blinds
In short: After becoming a global rock sensation with Silverchair, Daniel Johns retreated into a profound period of isolation. He spent years in his home, obsessively checking surf conditions without surfing, watching movies with the blinds drawn, and ordering groceries online while navigating a complex battle with PTSD and depression.
Daniel Johns rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with the band Silverchair. After the release of the album Diorama in 2002, the group entered a lengthy hiatus. By 2011, Johns announced the band was entering "indefinite hibernation," citing a lack of "spark" between the members. This period marked a significant shift in his life, leading to a period of deep personal retreat in his home in Merewether.
During this time, Johns admitted to spending four years "hiding and shutting things out." His daily routine became one of extreme isolation: he would obsessively check surf conditions every morning despite not having surfed since his teens, and he spent much of his time watching movies with the blinds closed. This period of withdrawal was a response to significant personal struggles, including a diagnosis of reactive arthritis, a battle with anorexia nervosa where he weighed less than 50 kg (110 lb), and ongoing issues with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Johns eventually emerged from this period to pursue diverse projects, including the band Dreams with Luke Steele and a solo career. His solo album Talk (2015) reached No. 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and his second solo album, FutureNever (2022), was released on his own label via a global deal with BMG. Despite his public success, Johns has been open about his struggles with alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to legal issues and a commitment to rehabilitation. He remains a significant figure in Australian music, balancing high-profile collaborations with a private, often difficult, personal journey.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Daniel Johns
- Also: Wikidata — Daniel Johns · CC0
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