Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns leads tributes to young Newcastle musician after he was tragically hit by a train
Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has paid tribute to a young Newcastle musician after he was tragically hit and killed by a train in May.
The famous singer took to Instagram on Sunday to share a special tribute to Sam Murphy, who was murdered at Cardiff Station on May 21 at the age of 23 during a night out.
A ‘Shred For Sam’ fundraiser will be held at the Newcastle Hotel on Sunday to pay tribute to Sam’s love of rock music and serve as a fundraiser for his family.
Daniel’s tribute began: “A talented and loving young man, Sam Murphy, was tragically struck by a train and killed.
“Sam was a wonderful son to De, a supportive brother to Cheyenne, a loyal cousin to Lachlan, a respected band member and a friend to many.”
Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns (pictured) has led the tribute to Sam Murphy, a young musician from Newcastle who was tragically hit by a train in May
After reading a story about Sam and seeing a photo of Zane Fleming, the young man’s best friend, wearing a Silverchair T-shirt, Daniel decided to contact Sam’s family.
“We talked about honoring Sam and making sure his legacy and love of music would never be forgotten,” Daniel wrote.
He then encouraged fans to leave a loving message.
The famous singer took to Instagram on Sunday to share a special tribute to Sam (pictured) who was murdered at Cardiff Station on May 21 during a night out aged 23.
“Like me, most of you won’t have met Sam, but it would mean a lot if you could leave a message of support for him here or elsewhere,” he wrote.
He confirmed the show will take place on Sunday, with Zane’s band Lost Plaza on the line-up.
Shred For Sam’s lineup also includes Catpiss, Tyrants, Lamphead, Lost Plaza, Handsome Alice, Ryan Jack, Finnian Johnson, Charlii Ben and GAG
After reading a story about Sam and seeing this photo of the young man’s best friend, Zane Fleming, wearing a Silverchair T-shirt, Daniel decided to contact Sam’s family.
“To Sam’s family, including De, Cheyenne and Lachlan, my heart goes out to all of you. Please stay strong for each other and know that you are not alone in this.”
He added a special message to Sam.
“To Sam, your legacy and your life will be celebrated and one day, when the time comes, we will meet wherever we go and jam together,” he wrote.
A ‘Shred For Sam’ fundraiser will be held at the Newcastle Hotel on Sunday to pay tribute to Sam’s love of rock music and serve as a fundraiser for his family
“Maybe you should remind me how to replay some of the old Silverchair songs,” he finished with a heart of love.
Sam had just completed a bachelor’s degree in communications from Newcastle University and was planning to join the air force.
The festival organizer is Ben Hastings, Sam’s best friend since his school days at St Paul’s Catholic College in Booragul.
Sam’s mother De Murphy told The Newcastle Herald she would be at the concert along with daughter Cheyenne, 22.
“I think it’s wonderful that Ben organized this, it really means a lot,” De told the publication.
“It’s a great honor for him because he was obsessed with music.”
Daniel encouraged his fans to leave a loving message for Sam and his family
Other bands took the time to share tributes to Sam, including friend Zane Flemming, who was previously in the band Mission: Banana with Sam.
Daan told me The Newcastle Heraldd that Sam inspired him with guitar and supported his musical ambitions.
“Sam has definitely helped and inspired me with guitar, because it’s not my first instrument,” Zane said.
“It was really cool to have him there to help me make the transition.”
Organizer Ben paid tribute to Sam, saying he was the ‘funniest guy’ and his laugh was ‘infectious’ to others.
Pictured L-R: Ben Gillies, Daniel Johns and Chris Joannou of Silverchair in October 2001