Crowded house formed back in 1977 when, at the young age of just 19, Neil Finn joined his older brother Tim’s band Split Enz as singer and guitarist. Touring the world with hits penned by Neil, it was the first time we heard tracks such as ‘Message To My Girl’, ‘One Step Ahead’ and ‘History Never Repeats’.
From the foundation of Split Enz, Neil and drummer Paul Hester went on to form the more familiar Crowded House. A three piece completed when bassist Nick Seymour joined in on the venture. What a venture it was. They became an outstanding live band and performed stunning sets with just an acoustic guitar, bass and snare drum across many lounge rooms and restaurants. Their unique sound of singing together like it was a party drew in their audience.
Four albums since those early days, they have gone on to achieve huge worldwide success. Not to mention a massive catalogue of songs that people all over the world couldn’t help but sing along to – ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Fall At Your Feet’, ‘Better Be Home Soon’, ‘Weather With You’, ‘Something So Strong’, ‘4 Seasons In One Day’ – the list could go on for a while. But like the saying goes, the good things came to an end. Success of the band caused a lot of pressure and the joy of making music they so loved disappeared in 1995. The band split.
Ten years later, sad news that Paul Hester had died shocked fans across the world. However, from the tragic loss came a new spark of creativity and Finn and Seymour began to make music together again later that year. This time joined by Matt Sherrod on drums and the return of Mark Hart on keys, their fifth studio album ‘Time on Earth’ was released and the tour that followed – in Finn’s words – ‘turned us into a great band again, much more than nostalgia, it gave us the scent of something new.’.
As a result of the inspiration a rejuvenated Crowded House (Seymour, Sherrod, Hart and Finn) hit the studio once again last year and began work on new material. Recording at Roundhead Studios in Auckland with Jim Scott as producer, Finn had the following to say about the new album. “This 11 track album is exotic in parts, traditional in origin, through many a twist and turn we fashioned some drama and intrigue. You will find some threads that go back through all that history and some new discoveries as well that will need to be followed up. Its part of the continuum and it may just be the best thing we’ve done ……till the next one.”
With that fresh promise in our minds, Crowded House are once again a band with the bit well and truly between their teeth. With regards to the new UK summer tour Finn commented. “The intention is the same as ever, to get the people involved, to hit some heights and leave the songs hanging in the air.”
I think its time to clear our throats everyone. Let’s get ready to sing along! The Crowdies are most definitely back!
Crowded House will play the following dates:
May 2010
18th Newcastle City Hall
24th Birmingham Symphony Hall
26th Manchester Apollo
June 2010
2nd Bristol Colston Hall
3rd Plymouth Pavilions
4th Cardiff International Arena
6th Oxford New Theatre
8th London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
9th London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Tickets are available to buy from 9am on 29th January.
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