Crowded House: Farewell To The World

It’s 1996, we’re in Sydney and about to play a gig at the much-loved Annandale Hotel. Throughout the day we debated if we would have enough time to get to the Opera House and back. Could they maybe postpone our set time by an hour? It was pretty quiet when we did our soundcheck earlier, and rightly so - everyone was heading to the Opera House. Approximately 250,000 folk made their way down to the steps and surrounding areas to bid farewell to Crowded House. Are they an Aussie or Kiwi band? Well, they did form in Melbourne, but for some that’s not enough. The debate has fueled many a conversation over the years. One of the best arguments for the Australian defence remains that we all know they wrote their best songs while they were living in St Kilda, a bayside suburb of Melbourne. And for those who think AC/DC are a Scottish band, they’re not. Yes, I have had this discussion, that’s just fuckin’ crazy!

What a setting, out on these steps of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the background, I get why people flock en masse from all over the world for the annual explosions in the sky. This was such a big event, Crowded House being one of those bands whose songs resonate with everyone at some point. One of my first albums was Temple of Low Men. I used to listen to it on my Walkman, riding around the property on my BMX, in a faux leather jacket with red racing stripes, driving gloves and dad’s old aviators. I’m not ashamed to admit there were times I even slicked back my hair. It was BMX Bandits crossed with Napoleon Dynamite. There I was doing monos, bunny hops and skids - you were judged by your peers on the length of those skids, that flick at the end had to be timed perfectly with the right amount of gravel being flung around. And of course plenty of sick jumps. But I digress, sorry. Songs can take you back to a certain time.

The gig starts with “Mean To Me”; Neil Finn sings the line “a truly sacred ring”, Paul Hester hits the crash cymbal and the band pause. A moment for the band and crowd to soak in the atmosphere. The crowd gives a massive roar in appreciation. It’s a full moon, and things align for the band tonight. Here’s someone now who’s got the muscle - the band treat us to the crowd-pleasing “World Where You Live”. It’s funny, when people talk about their favorite drummers automatically their answers are either Grohl, Bonham or Peart. I’m not disputing they are great drummers, but let’s not forget Paul Hester. For me, he’s like Ringo for the Beatles, he just played the right thing at the right time.

Neil’s poignant lyrics delve into themes of life, love, and turmoil. This depth is particularly evident in the song "When You Come Around", with lyrics that describe "kisses hard like armour." It creates a vivid picture that emphasises both strength and vulnerability in relationships. The feeling that nothing truly matters in our private universe resonates deeply. I have a strong affection for live recordings because they offer different interpretations and unique jams that can vary significantly from the polished versions found on studio albums. I find it quite boring when bands perform carbon copies of their music in a live setting; instead, I prefer more creativity and spontaneity. After all, the contrast between "that then" and "this now" is what infuses live music with its energy and excitement. During “Four Seasons In One Day” Finn momentarily relinquishes vocal duties to the crowd: “Smiling as the shit comes down, you can tell a man from what he has to say”.

Now the set changes to become more atmospheric with “Whispers And Moans” and “Hole In The River”. There is no better time to mention the talented man on keys, organ, guitar, and backing vocals who brings it all together - Mark Hart. For those who may not be aware, he is also a long-time member of Supertramp, touring band member for Ringo Starr, and has collaborated on several of Finn’s solo projects over the years. Again I’ll bring up the free-flowing jam vibe that’s evident when a bunch of great musicians do their thing.

We move on to one of Crowded House’s better known songs, “Better Be Home Soon”, with the crowd singing along and loving the double time finish. In between songs, there’s the obligatory banter between band members. Paul suggests that Neil has had a good time in Sydney in the past, Neil quickly moves this along and leads the band into the shanty-like vibe of “Pineapple Head”: “I’ll play you like a shark and I’ll clutch at your heart”, then into one of their bigger hits, “Distant Sun”.

I recall Neil saying that no other drummer has ever got the feeling just right on “Into Temptation”. Paul just had it. With a double hit of the snare, the tempo is brought up with “Everything Is Good For You”, “Locked Out” and “Something So Strong” - “Love can make you weep, can make you run for cover”, and again Neil prompts the crowd to join in. It must be an awesome feeling to play your songs to thousands and all singing with filled hearts your lyrics, your thoughts back to you. I would wonder what each one’s story is, or who they are reminded of.

“Sister Madly”, with its dreamlike, zany vibe that combines elements of jazz, rockabilly, and a touch of whimsical charm, evokes vivid images in my mind. I can't help but think of a mad circus filled with colourful characters. It's quite a playful image, and perhaps in line with the eccentricity of the music. It’s reminiscent of Neil and Paul’s previous band with Neil’s brother Tim, Split Enz.

And what a surprise, it was only a matter of time before this moment arrived, as Neil says it’s time for some brotherly love and Tim joins him on stage to belt out "Weather with You" and “It’s Only Natural” - “Read me like a book that’s fallen down between your knees, let me have my way with you!”

The set and sound is fantastic with lesser known songs “There Goes God” and “Fingers Of Love”, and the band are ready to rock out even more with “In My Command”. The one member I haven’t mentioned yet is bass player Nick Seymour, but I’m sure you’ve noticed him. I remember being out one night and a mate said, hold my beer, then made a beeline - or should I say V-Line (those who know) - just to tell Nick thanks for doing his thing. He said he just had to, and I couldn’t agree more. Nick is also brother to Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors, who wrote the next song the band plays, “Throw Your Arms Around Me” and with a line like this, why not - “We may never meet again, so shed your skin and let’s get started”. I guess this sums up the feeling of the night.

So this is really it, is it? Every time I hear “Don’t Dream It’s Over”, I feel a sudden sense of nostalgia, not only for the carefree days of riding my BMX bike and heading into town along the Sevens Creek grabbing pies for lunch, but also of fractured friendships and love gone wrong - “They come to build a wall between us, we know they won't win”. If you ever watch the concert footage you notice all band members struggling to look at each other - emotions are high as the last song of the night is played. Rightly so.

So just to be clear, we never did make it down to the Opera House foreshore that evening. However, I vividly remember that for the last three or four songs of our own set, the room was quickly getting jam-packed with a lively crowd that was truly in fine form, all thanks to Neil and Co. And when the chance came again, I was fortunate enough to see Crowded House perform in 2016, again in front of the Opera House, for the 20th anniversary of their farewell concert. Not charged with the same emotion as twenty years before, but nonetheless brilliant.

Listen to the album here and remember, don’t dream it’s over.