Joel Madden says he wishes he’d written Silverchair’s 'Israel’s Son'

Joel Madden says there’s one Australian rock anthem he wishes he had written — Israel’s Son by Silverchair.

Speaking on Triple M’s Homegrown with Matty O, the Good Charlotte frontman reflected on Australian music that has influenced him, saying, “We love Australian music, we always have! Australia is always on the forefront of music.” When asked which Aussie song he’d love to claim as his own, Madden didn’t hold back.

“There are five songs that Daniel Johns has written that I love,” he said. “I’d have to make a full list of Aussie songs. If I had to pick one, I’m gonna go with ‘Israel’s Son’. I’d love to talk to Daniel. He’s got great perspective, and he’s always been himself.”

Madden’s comments come ahead of Good Charlotte’s upcoming Australian tour, which marks the band’s first run there since they appeared at the 2018 Download Festival. He added that Australia “feels like a home away from home” to him and the band, and expressed excitement about returning to play major shows for fans.

Israel’s Son is a standout track from Silverchair’s 1995 debut album Frogstomp and remains one of the band’s most revered early songs, known for its grunge sound and powerful lyrics.

Madden’s praise highlights the lasting impact of 1990s alternative rock on today’s artists and underscores how international music continues to inspire musicians across genres.