Tobin
Teen Rock Idol Who Never Was
by Sarah Blake
TOBIN Finnane must be the unluckiest teenager in the country--he's the forgotten member of the all conquering group silverchair.
While Tobin spends the school holidays planning a trip to Sydney for the Big Day Out concert next week, his three high school mates are touring the US with their idols, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
And even though teenagers worldwide eagerly await the release of each new silverchair single, Tobin says he won't listen to their music.
"It's not really personal," the 16-year-old says from his Newcastle home. "I just don't like the music. It's not very good."
Tobin was lead guitarist with the Innocent Criminals, the bands first incarncation back at The Junction Primary School.
Tobin was photographed with the Innocent Criminals for the Sunday Telegraph in October, 1993, when the then 13-year-olds couldn't get a professional gig.
Although they had won Statedwide talent quests with their original songs and covers, their age prevented promoters from booking them.
Following the article, they performed their first pub show at the Newcastle Grand Hotel, a month before Tobin went overseas. And the band haven't looked back.
It's a good thing Tobin doesn't hold a grudge.
Just four months after his return, silverchair's album, frogstomp debuted at number 1 in Australia and proceeded to sell 3 million copies worldwide--generating and estimated 75 million dollars.
He's reluctant to talk about silverchair because if loyalty to his former best mates and because he doesn't want to appear bitter.
"It would be weird to think people all over Australia were reading about me and feeling sorry for me," he says. "Life goes on."
Tobin says the band--Johns, drummer Ben Gilles and bass player Chris Joannou-- have been changed by their success despite their managements claims to the contrary.
"They have changed a little, but it would have to go to your head a bit," he says.
Tobin says he's still kind of friends with the trio.