Chemical Heart

Chemical Heart

Key Facts

Released in 2002, "Chemical Heart" is the lead single from New Detention, the third studio album by Australian rock band Grinspoon.

A Tragic Tribute

The song carries a profound deeper meaning, written as a tribute to Jessica Michalik, a 16-year-old fan who was tragically crushed to death during a crowd surge at the Sydney Big Day Out festival in 2001 during Limp Bizkit's set.

Chart Success and Accolades

An absolute staple of Australian alternative rock, the track achieved significant cultural impact:

• Charts: It peaked at No. 25 on the Australian Singles Chart on March 31, 2002.
• Triple J Hottest 100: Voted number two on the station's prestigious annual countdown in 2002. Decades later in 2025, it secured the No. 68 spot on the all-time Hottest 100 of Australian Songs list.
• Television: Network Ten featured the track heavily in its broadcast premiere promotional campaigns for the American crime drama Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Track Listing (Australian CD Single)

• Chemical Heart (Original Version) – 4:40
• Waiting for Take Off – 2:51
• Gettin' Shit – 2:27
• Chemical Heart (Acoustic Mix) – 4:39