Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has released his second solo album, FutureNever, while in rehab as he faces possible jail time for a high-range drink-driving offence.
In a statement published through his record label BMG on Friday, the troubled rock star described the album as ‘manic’ and said he’s no longer ‘running’ from his past.
Johns, 42, checked into rehab last month after he was pulled over on the Pacific Highway at North Arm Cove near Newcastle, NSW on March 23, and recorded a blood-alcohol reading of more than three times the legal limit. He has pleaded guilty.
Daniel Johns (pictured) has released his second solo album, FutureNever, from rehab after pleading guilty to a high-range drink-driving charge
Addressing potential criticism of the album, Johns said: ‘Don’t talk to me about this record not sounding like Silverchair. Every Silverchair record I wrote was criticised for not sounding enough like Silverchair.’
Johns described FutureNever as ‘manic and cryptic’, not unlike his ‘thought process’.
‘As an artist, I find myself getting bored quickly, so with this album I wanted to deliver an exciting record that feels like an adventure for the listener,’ he said.
Johns, 42, checked into rehab last month after he was pulled over on the Pacific Highway at North Arm Cove near Newcastle, NSW on March 23, and recorded a blood-alcohol reading of more than three times the legal limit. He has pleaded guilty
In a statement published through his record label BMG on Friday, Johns alluded to his troubled past. ‘I’ve stopped running from my past. I am here, I’m embracing it,’ he said
He alluded to his troubled past, adding: ‘I’ve stopped running from my past. I am here, I’m embracing it. In the FutureNever there are subtle and not-so-subtle hints to some of the worlds and characters I’ve created over the years.’
Johns concluded by describing FutureNever as him at his ‘best’, as opposed to a ‘best of’ album.
Police said Johns had crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and collided with a van on the Pacific Highway near Newcastle on March 23.
His lawyer Bryan Wrench entered a guilty plea on Johns’ behalf at Raymond Terrace Local Court on April 11, where the magistrate warned the singer could face jail time.
Johns described FutureNever as him at his ‘best’, as opposed to a ‘best of’ album
Johns checked into rehab last month to address drinking and mental health issues after he had been pulled over and recorded a blood-alcohol reading of more than three times the legal limit. (Pictured in March 2015)
Johns is due to face court for sentencing on June 22.
In a phone call transcribed from rehab and posted to his Instagram account on April 16, Johns addressed his relationship with alcohol and also offered an apology.
‘My drinking had become a bigger problem than I even realised, and how I have used it to help numb a range of deeper psychological issues that I’ve been living with since childhood,’ he said.
‘Some of these issues you know, and a lot cut much deeper. Alcohol is not medicine. I should never have treated it like it was. I feel like a complete f**k-up and I’m sorry.
In a phone call transcribed from rehab and posted to his Instagram account on April 16, Johns addressed his relationship with alcohol and also offered an apology
‘I take full responsibility for my actions on the evening of March 23rd, I am deeply remorseful and I am working every day to make amends. I am handling these matters professionally and privately.
‘For legal reasons, I am unable to talk specifics on social media or elsewhere until after June 22nd.’
Shortly after the accident in March, Johns posted that he had been suffering from ‘panic attacks’ and the accident occurred after becoming ‘lost’ on the road.
‘As you know, my mental health is a work in progress. I have good days and bad days but it’s something I always have to manage,’ he said.
Johns’ lawyer Bryan Wrench was warned his client could face a jail sentence as a result of his drink-driving
‘Over the last week I began to experience panic attacks. Last night I got lost while driving and I was in an accident. I am OK, everyone is OK.
‘Alongside my therapy, I’ve been self-medicating with alcohol to deal with my anxiety and depression. I know this is not sustainable or healthy.
‘I have to step back now as I’m self-admitting to a rehabilitation centre and I don’t know how long I’ll be there. Appreciate your love and support as always.’
For confidential mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Rise to fame: Johns (left) is pictured with his Silverchair bandmates Chris Joannou (centre) and Ben Gillies (right) in October 2002
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