Enzology - Radio New Zealand's story of Split Enz - Enzology Tim Finn Vocals, piano 1972-1984 Born 1952. Brought up in Te Awamutu as Brian Timothy Finn. Went on to release various solo albums, post-Enz. Briefly a member of Crowded House and ALT. Released “Everyone Is Here”, the second Finn Brothers album with Neil, in 2004. Now living in Auckland. Phil Judd Vocals, guitars 1972-78, off and on Born 1953. Raised in Hastings. After leaving Split Enz in England he returned to New Zealand and Australia and played with bands Suburban Reptiles, The Enemy, Swingers, Schnell Fenster. He always considered painting his real vocation, but the last decade has seen him composing music for film, television and stage. Released his first solo album in 23 years, "Mr Phudd & His Novelty Act", in 2006. Living in Melbourne. Miles Golding Violin 1972-1973 Born 1951 in Sydney.

Raised in Portsmouth, England and Wellington, New Zealand. Left for the UK in 1973 for further violin study and began to work as a free-lance player with London's leading orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony. Developed an interest in period performance practice and now works mainly in this field. “It was a special time. Those guys were brilliant and mean a lot to me. I’ll never forget their passion and enthusiasm for what they were doing, and their confidence in me. I’m gutted I couldn’t fulfill that. Sad, really.” – Miles Golding Mike Chunn Bass 1972-1977 Born 1952 in London. Raised in Otahuhu, Auckland. Older brother of Geoff. Known by his middle name of Jonathan for a while. Post-Enz, formed Citizen Band, managed a studio and record company and became head of APRA New Zealand. Wrote the Split Enz biography “Stranger Than Fiction” and autobiography “Seven Voices”. Now CEO of the Play It Strange trust. Lives in Auckland. “I can’t believe it was only five years. It feels like fifty years of experience.

Every second was very worthwhile.” – Mike Chunn. Mike Howard Now a teacher in Auckland. Declined the invitation to be interviewed on tape for Enzology. Geoff Chunn Drums 1973-1974 Born 1953 and raised in Otahuhu, younger brother of Michael. Formed After Hours with Neil Finn in mid 70s, then Citizen Band with Mike Chunn. Moved into the food industry and has owned five cafes since the Enz days. Living and eating well in Auckland. “They were amazing, Split Enz. Always a million miles better than any other show. Like the All Blacks, the sum of the parts were so much bigger. In Citizen Band, you’d think you’re doing well, then go to a Split Enz show…. ‘Aw, bugger! How’d they do that?!’ They spent every cent plus more on the one show.” – Geoff Chunn. Wally Wilkinson Guitar 1973-1975 Raised as Paul Wally Wilkinson in Pakuranga, Auckland. Learned flute and guitar. Lead singer and guitarist in covers bands Ye Groupe and The Hyve before Moses and Split Enz.

Went from Split Enz straight into the computer industry, with a brief diversion as co-manager of Scavengers/The Marching Girls. Now writes hospital software and lives in Melbourne. “The band was about creation. Not copyists.” “I’m still in contact with the Enz. It’s family.” – Wally Wilkinson. Robert Gillies Saxophone & trumpet 1974-1977 Born and raised in Wanganui. Learned cornet and trumpet in brass bands. After leaving Split Enz, joined TVNZ as a set designer. Went on to work in feature films, theatre and television, including Xena: Warrior Princess. In 2004 he was the production designer of The Whale Rider - On Stage. Lives in Auckland. Eddie Rayner Keyboards 1974-1984 Born 1952 in Lower Hutt. Originally known as Tony Eddie Rayner. Grew up in Mt Eden and Howick in Auckland. After Enz, he went on to perform live with Crowded House, co-founded Schnell Fenster and formed The Makers.

Orchestrated the two ENZSO albums, the first of which was the biggest selling album of 1998 in New Zealand. Producer for other artists. Musical director for New Zealand Idol. Released two solo albums. New Space Waltz album with Alastair Riddell coming soon. Now living in Auckland. Noel Crombie Percussion & design 1974-1984 Born 1953 in Wellington. Known to the tax department as Geoffrey Noel Crombie. Grew up in Paekakariki. After Enz, drummed in Schnell Fenster and has worked in film and TV on soundtracks and in the art departments. Has also designed interiors for clubs and restaurants. Recently worked on the Split Enz DVD graphics. Living in Melbourne. Paul Crowther Drums 1974-1976 Born 1949. Answered to Emlyn Crowther when with the Enz. Grew up in Dunedin. Played trumpet in air training corp band then swapped to drums. Moved to Auckland, played drums in Alastair Riddell’s Orb before Enz.

Interest in electronics led him to make and modify synthsisers and PA for Split Enz. His home-made distortion pedal, made for Noel’s show-stopping guitar solo, became an essential accessory for musicians around the world and still sells like Hot Cakes. Lives in Auckland. Mal Green Drums 1976-1981 Born 1953. Grew up in London. Played in various bands before joining Split Enz. Released solo single in 1981 before departing Enz. Now a freelance musician and documentary music composer in Sydney. “A lot of joy, a lot of pain. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” – Mal Green. Neil Finn Vocals, guitars 1977-1984 Born 1958. Neil Mullane Finn grew up in Te Awamutu, the younger brother of Tim. Formed the very popular Crowded House with Paul Hester after the Enz split. Went solo in 1996 and has reformed Crowded House in 2007. Nigel Griggs Bass 1977-1984 Born 1949.

Brought up in Hatfield, just out of London. Played in various bands before Split Enz, including family band The Cortinas. Joined fellow ex-Enzers Phil Judd, Eddie Rayner, & Noel Crombie in late 80s band The Wanx, which became Schnell Fenster. Now happily tending to his garden in the mountains, east of Melbourne. Paul Hester Drums 1983-84 Born 1959. Raised in Melbourne. Was encouraged to play drums by drum-playing Mum. One third of Crowded House from mid ‘80s to 1994. Went on to play with Largest Living Things, Tarmac Adam and McSweeney, had his own TV chat/music series and is involved in radio and music projects with the Aboriginal community. Lived in Melbourne until his death in March, 2005. ALSO INTERVIEWED FOR ENZOLOGY Barry Coburn Split Enz manager 1972-1975 Renowned promoter, music publisher and ex-CEO of Atlantic Records Nashville. Currently co-president of Nashville’s Ten Ten Music Group and Coburn Music Publishers.

Dave Russell (aka “Cowboy Dave”) Tour manager and producer of Mental Notes 1975 Guitarist in NZ 60s band Ray Columbus and The Invaders, bassist with Max Merrit. Stayed in music industry as a bassist and manager. Briefly co-managed The Scavengers/Marching Girls with Wally Wilkinson. Now living in Melbourne. Michael Gudinski Founder of Mushroom Records, Australia In the ‘70s and ‘80s he signed major acts such as Split Enz, Skyhooks, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly and The Angels. After selling Mushroom Records in 1998, he founded The Mushroom Group of Companies, which includes the music label Liberation - home to betchadupa featuring Neil's son Liam Finn. Based in Melbourne. “They developed into one of the great rock bands of the world.” – Michael Gudinski on Split Enz. Phil Manzanera Producer of Second Thoughts and Another Great Divide, 1976 Guitarist in major ‘70s and ‘80s UK band Roxy Music. Invited members of Split Enz to play and sing on his ’70s solo albums “Listen Now” and “K-Scope”.

Producer of numerous Spanish music artists in the 90s. Released his sixth solo album in 2004. “I’ve never seen a bunch of people work so hard. I really believed in their talent.” - Phil Manzanera on Split Enz. Hugh Padgham Tape Operator on Frenzy 1978-79, Producer & engineer on Time and Tide 1981-82 and Conflicting Emotions 1983 A multi-Grammy Award ™ winning producer, Hugh has worked with The Police, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Genesis, XTC, Sting, Bee Gees, The Tragically Hip and even Derek & Clive. David Tickle Producer & engineer on: I See Red 1978; True Colours 1979; Waiata 1980-81 Known as a whiz-kid engineer in the late ‘70s, he recorded The Knack’s “My Sharona” and Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” with producer Mike Chapman in between producing I See Red and the Split Enz albums. Went on to work with The Police, Prince, U2, George Michael and others.

Has recently re-mixed many albums for SACD 5.1 surround sound. “Working with Split Enz was the most musically fun and creative experience I’ve ever had. I wish I’d had more time with the Enz. If they ever made another record, I’d love to be there.” – David Tickle. Nathan Brenner Manager 1979-1984 Nathan began his career as a fashion and tour photographer for Eagles, Elton John and Hunter S. Thompson. As well as managing Split Enz, he took Grammy Award winning Men At Work to the top of the US record charts in 1982-3. Nathan is a Director of the Music Manager's Forum International which works to support music managers to assist their artists. Tim Finn | ZoomInfo.com ... Tim Finn Iconic singer-songwriter Tim Finn is set to electrify Mornington's Between The Bays festival, joining a stellar lineup. Of course, Finn is no stranger to the big stage. His first taste of festival life was with seminal new wave group, Split Enz.

In fact, New Zealand's Nambassa Festival saw the band stage a classic set against all odds, as Finn came into his own as a performer. ... Little by little, Finn was forging a legacy. "I never thought about it. I don't think anybody does. You don't think ahead like that," he success. ... I don't feel I have anything to prove, as such, like I used to when I was a young man," Finn muses. ... As a consequence, Finn tends to enjoy more freedom than ever in fleshing out his creativity. "It is liberating. ... I was very fortunate because I had run out of steam a bit, but then all of a sudden this whole new thing started," Finn explains. ... Between say Woodface and the Finn album then between Finn and Everyone Is Here, there was about 10 years between those. So about three or four years, maybe? Finn laughs. Most definitely a case of 'better late than never'. ... TIM FINN plays the Between The Bays festival in Mornington on Saturday February 23, joined by The Hoodoo Gurus, James Reyne and more. ... This is one of the best interviews I have ever read about Tim Finn. ...

As a mother whose husband is close to the same age as Tim Finn, I got a big kick out him discussing the impact fatherhood has had on his life. Thanks so much for writing a great piece!!! :)) ... Crowded House : definition of Crowded House and synonyms of Crowded House (English) Originally active from 1985 to 1996, the band has had consistent commercial and critical success in Australia and New Zealand [4] [5] [6] and international chart success in two phases, beginning with their self titled debut album, Crowded House , which reached number twelve on the US Album Chart in 1987 and provided the Top Ten hits, " Don't Dream It's Over " and " Something So Strong ". [7] [8] Further international success came in the UK and Europe with their third and fourth albums, Woodface and Together Alone and the compilation album Recurring Dream , which included the hits " Fall at Your Feet ", " Weather with You ", " Distant Sun ", " Locked Out ", " Instinct " and " Not the Girl You Think You Are ".

[3] [9] Queen Elizabeth II bestowed an OBE on both Neil and Tim Finn, in June 1993, for their contribution to the music of New Zealand. [10] Founding drummer Hester left in May 1994, citing family reasons, but briefly returned for their Farewell to the World concerts in Melbourne and Sydney in 1996. [1] Neil Finn had decided to end the band to concentrate on his solo career and the Finn Brothers project with Tim. [1] On 26 March 2005 Hester committed suicide, aged 46. [11] In 2006, the group re-formed with new drummer Matt Sherrod and have since released two further albums, which have both reached number one on Australia's Album Chart . [5] Contents 9 External links History Neil Finn (vocals, guitar, piano) and drummer Paul Hester (ex- The Cheks , Deckchairs Overboard ) were former members of New Zealand band Split Enz , which spent part of 1975-6 in Australia and several years in England.

[1] Neil is the younger brother of Split Enz founding member Tim Finn, who joined Crowded House in 1990 on vocals, guitars and keyboards for the album Woodface . [1] Bassist Nick Seymour (ex-Plays with Marionettes, Bang, The Horla) is the younger brother of singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Seymour [1] of the now defunct Australian rock group Hunters & Collectors . [3] Formation and name change (1984–1986) Main articles: Split Enz and The Mullanes Finn and Hester decided to form a new band during the Split Enz farewell tour, Enz with a Bang, during November and December 1984. [1] Seymour approached Finn during the after party for the Melbourne show and asked if he could audition for the new band. [3] The Mullanes formed in Melbourne in early 1985 with Finn, Hester, Seymour and guitarist Craig Hooper (ex- The Reels ) and first performed on 11 June. [1] They secured a record contract with Capitol Records , but Hooper left the band before the remaining trio moved to Los Angeles to record their debut album.

[1] [12] At Capitol's behest, the band's name was changed to Crowded House, which alluded to the lack of space at the West Hollywood apartment they shared during the recording of the album Crowded House . [1] [12] Former Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner produced the track "Can't Carry On" and was asked to join the band. He toured with them in 1988, but was unable to become a full member due to family commitments. Early albums (1986–1990) Main articles: Crowded House (album) and Temple of Low Men Crowded House, San Francisco, April 1987. L to R: Paul Hester, Neil Finn, Nick Seymour. Thanks to their Split Enz connection, the newly formed Crowded House had an established Australasian fanbase. [1] They began by playing at festivals in Australia and New Zealand and released their debut album, Crowded House, in June 1986. [1] Capitol Records initially failed to see the band's potential and gave them only low key promotion, [3] forcing the band to play at small venues to try and gain attention.

The album's first single, " Mean to Me ", reached the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart top 30 in June. [4] It failed to chart in the US, [7] but moderate American airplay introduced US listeners to the group. The single, " Don't Dream It's Over ", was released in December 1986 and reached number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number eight in Australia. [4] [6] It was also a big international hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 [7] and number one in Canada. [13] It remains the group's most commercially successful song. In March 1987, the group were awarded 'Best New Talent', along with 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Video' for "Don't Dream It's Over", at the inaugural ARIA Music Awards . [14] The video also earned the group the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist that year. [15] The song has often been covered by other artists and gave Paul Young a hit single in 1991.

It was also used for a New Zealand Tourism Board advertisement in its 100% Pure New Zealand worldwide promotion from October 2005. [16] In May 2001, "Don't Dream it's Over" was voted 7th in a poll of the Best Australian Songs of Alltime by the Australasian Performing Rights Association . [17] The band at the Montreux Pop Festival, May 1988. L to R: Seymour, Finn, Hester. In June 1987, a year after its release, Crowded House finally reached number one on the Kent Music Report Album Charts. [4] It also reached number three in New Zealand [6] and number twelve on the US Billboard 200 album chart. [8] The follow-up to "Don't Dream it's Over", " Something So Strong ", was not as successful as its predecessor but reached the top ten in New Zealand, [6] America [7] and Canada. " World Where You Live " and "Now We're Getting Somewhere" were also released as singles with some minor chart success.

[3] [4] [7] As the band's primary songwriter, Neil Finn was under pressure to create a second album to match their debut and the band joked that one potential title for the new release was Mediocre Follow-Up. [3] Eventually titled Temple of Low Men, their second album was released in July 1988 with strong promotion by Capitol Records. The album did not fare as well as their debut in the US, only reaching number 40, [8] but it achieved Australasian success, reaching number one in Australia [5] and number two in New Zealand. [6] The first single " Better Be Home Soon " peaked at number two on both Australian and New Zealand singles charts [5] [6] and reached top 50 In the US, [7] though the following four singles were less successful. [5] [6] Crowded House undertook a short tour of Australia and Canada to promote the album, with Eddie Rayner on keyboards. Multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart, who would eventually become a full band member, replaced Rayner in January 1989. After the tour, Finn fired Seymour from the band.

[2] Music journalist Ed Nimmervoll claimed that Seymour's temporary departure was because Finn blamed him for causing his writer's block , [12] however Finn cited "artistic differences" as the reason. [2] Seymour said that after a month he contacted Finn and they agreed that he would return to the band. [2] Early nineties (1991–1994) Main articles: Tim Finn , Woodface , and Together Alone Multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart Crowded House took a break after the Canadian leg of the Temple of Low Men tour. Neil Finn and his brother Tim recorded songs they had co-written for their own album, Finn . [3] Following the recording sessions with Tim, Neil began writing and recording a third Crowded House album with Hester and Seymour, but these tracks were rejected by the record company, so Neil asked Tim if Crowded House could use the Finn songs. Tim jokingly agreed on the proviso that he become a member, which Neil apparently took literally. With Tim as an official member, the band returned to the studio. The new tracks, as well as some from the previously rejected recordings were combined to make Woodface, which was released in July 1991.

The album features eight tracks co-written by Neil and Tim, [3] which feature the brothers harmonising on lead vocals, except on the sombre "All I Ask" on which Tim sang lead. The track was later used on AIDS awareness commercials in Australia. [3] Five of the album's tracks were Neil's solo compositions and two were by Hester, the exuberant "Italian Plastic", which became a crowd favourite at concerts [3] and the hidden track "I'm Still Here". " Chocolate Cake ", a humorous comment on American excesses that wasn't taken well by some US critics and sections of the American public, was released in June 1991 as the first single. Perhaps unsurprisingly it failed to chart in the US, however it reached number two on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart. [7] The song peaked at number seven in New Zealand and reached the top 20 in Australia. [5] [6] The second single, " Fall at Your Feet ", was less successful in Australia and New Zealand but did at least reach the US Hot 100 .

[7] The album reached number one in New Zealand, [6] number two in Australia, [5] number six in the UK [18] [19] and made the top 20 in several European countries. [20] [21] [22] The third single from Woodface, " Weather With You ", peaked at No. 7 in early 1992 giving the band their highest UK chart placement. By contrast, the album had limited success in the US, only reaching number 83 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. [8] Tim left Crowded House during the Woodface tour in November 1991, part-way through the UK leg. [1] Performances on this tour, at the Town and Country Club in London, were recorded live and given a limited release in Australia, while individual songs from those shows were released as B-sides of singles in some countries. [23] In June 1993 the New Zealand Government recommended that the Queen award an OBE to Neil and Tim Finn for their contribution to the music of New Zealand.

[10] For their fourth album, Together Alone, Crowded House used New Zealand-based producer Martin Glover (aka Youth) and invited touring musician Mark Hart (guitar & keyboards) to become a permanent band member. [1] [12] The album was recorded ar Karekare Beach, New Zealand, which gave its name to the opening track, "Kare Kare". The album was released in October 1993 and sold well internationally on the strength of lead single " Distant Sun " and followup " Private Universe ". It topped the New Zealand Album Chart, [6] reached number 2 in Australia [5] and number 4 in the UK. [18] " Locked Out " was the album's first US single and received airplay on MTV and VH1 . This track and " My Sharona " by The Knack , which were both included the soundtrack of the film Reality Bites , were bundled together on a jukebox single to promote the film soundtrack.

[3] Saying farewell (1994–1996) Main articles: Finn (album) , Recurring Dream , and Farewell to the World Crowded House at the Café De Kroon, Amsterdam , June 1996. Neil Finn (left) and Mark Hart Crowded House were mid way through a US tour when Paul Hester quit the band on 15 April 1994. [12] He flew home to Melbourne to await the birth of his first child and indicated that he required more time with his family. [1] [12] Wally Ingram , drummer for support act Sheryl Crow , temporarily filled in [12] until a replacement, Peter Jones (ex-Harem Scarem, Vince Jones , Kate Ceberano 's Septet) was found. [1] After the tour, the Finn Brothers released their album Finn in November 1995. In June 1996, at a press conference to announce the release of their greatest hits album Recurring Dream , Neil revealed that Crowded House were to disband. The June 1996 concerts in Europe and Canada were to be their final performances.

[3] Recurring Dream contained four songs from each of the band's studio albums, along with three new songs. The album debuted at number one in Australia, [5] New Zealand [6] and the UK [18] in July 1996. Early copies included a bonus CD of live material. The album's three new songs, which were released as singles, were " Instinct ", " Not the Girl You Think You Are " and " Everything Is Good for You ", which featured backing vocals from Pearl Jam 's Eddie Vedder . Paul Hester returned to the band to play drums on the three new tracks. [24] Worried that their goodbye had been too low-key and had disregarded their home fans, the band performed the Farewell to the World concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on 24 November 1996, which raised funds for the Sydney Children's Hospital . The concert featured the line-up of Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mark Hart and Paul Hester. Tim Finn and Peter Jones both made guest appearances. Support bands on the day were Custard , Powderfinger and You Am I .

The concert had one of the highest live audiences in Australian history with the crowd being estimated at between 120,000 and 250,000 people. [3] [25] Farewell to the World was released on VHS in December 1996. In 2007, a double CD and a DVD were issued as to commemorate the concert's ten year anniversary. The DVD featured newly recorded audio commentary by Finn, Hart and Seymour and other new bonus material. [25] Between farewell and reunion (1996–2006) Main articles: Afterglow (Crowded House album) , Deadstar , 7 Worlds Collide , Everyone Is Here , and Tarmac Adam Paul Hester 1959–2005. Following the 1996 break-up of Crowded House, the members embarked upon a variety of projects. Neil Finn released two solo studio albums, Try Whistling This (1998) and One Nil (2001), as well as two live albums, Sessions at West 54th (2000) and 7 Worlds Collide (2001).

7 Worlds Collide saw him performing with guest musicians including Eddie Vedder , Johnny Marr , Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead , Tim Finn, Lisa Germano and Betchadupa (featuring his son Liam Finn ). A double CD and DVD of the shows were released in November 2001. Tim Finn had resumed his solo career after leaving the group in 1992 and he also worked with Neil on a second Finn Brothers album, Everyone Is Here, which was released in 2004. Paul Hester joined The Finn Brothers on stage for three songs at their Palais Theatre show in Melbourne at the end of 2004. Nick Seymour also joined them on stage in Dublin, where he was living, in 2004. Peter Jones and Nick Seymour joined Australian group Deadstar for their second album, Milk, in 1997. Seymour later worked as a record producer in Dublin, producing Irish group Bell X1 's debut album, Neither Am I in 2000. Mark Hart rejoined Supertramp in the late 1990s and later toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band .

In 2001 he released a solo album, Nada Sonata. [26] Paul Hester worked with children's entertainers The Wiggles , playing "Paul the Cook". [27] He also had his own ABC show Hessie's Shed in Australia from late 1997. [1] He formed the band Largest Living Things, [1] which was the name rejected by Capitol Records in favour of Crowded House. [11] It was on Hessie's Shed that Finn, Hester and Seymour last shared a stage, on an episode filmed as part of Finn's promotion for his solo album Try Whistling This in 1998. Finn and Hester performed " Not the Girl You Think You Are " with Largest Living Things, before being joined by Seymour for " Sister Madly " and a version of Paul Kelly 's " Leaps and Bounds ", which also featured Kelly on vocals. In late 2003, Hester hosted the series Music Max's Sessions. Hester and Seymour were reunited when they both joined singer-songwriter Matt O'Donnell's Melbourne-based group Tarmac Adam .

[28] The band released one album, 2003's Handheld Torch, which was produced by Seymour. In May 1999 Crowded House issued a compilation of unreleased songs, Afterglow , which included the track "Recurring Dream", recorded when the group were still called The Mullanes and included Craig Hooper on guitar. [1] The album's liner notes included information about the songs, written by music journalist David Hepworth . Some limited-release versions included a second CD with songwriting commentary by Finn. The liner notes confirmed that Crowded House had no plans to reunite at that time. [1] A 2003 compilation album, Classic Masters , was released only in the US, while 2005 saw the release of the album She Will Have Her Way , a collection of cover versions of Crowded House, Split Enz, Tim Finn and Finn Brothers songs by Australasian female artists. The album reached the top 5 in Australia and New Zealand. [29] On 26 March 2005 Paul Hester was found dead, after hanging himself from a tree in a park near his home in Melbourne. He was 46 years old.

His obituary in The Sydney Morning Herald stated that he had fought, "A long battle with depression." [11] Following the news of Hester's death, Nick Seymour joined The Finn Brothers on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where the three played in memory of Paul. A snare drum with a top hat on it stood at the front of the stage as a tribute. [30] Writing in 2010 Neil Finn said, "When we lost Paul it was like someone pulled the rug out from underneath everything, a terrible jolt out of the dark blue. He was the best drummer I had ever played with and for many years, my closest friend." [31] Reunion and Time On Earth (2006–2009) Main articles: Time on Earth and Matt Sherrod Matt Sherrod, Dublin, 2007. In 2006 Neil Finn asked Nick Seymour to play bass on his third solo album. Seymour agreed and the two joined up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ethan Johns to begin recording.

[12] As the recording sessions progressed it was decided that the album would be issued under the Crowded House band name, rather than as a Neil Finn solo album. In January 2007, the group publicly announced their reformation and on 23 February, after 20 days of auditions, former Beck drummer Matt Sherrod joined Finn, Seymour and Mark Hart to complete the new line up. [12] As Sherrod and Hart had not participated in the initial sessions, four new tracks were recorded with producer Steve Lillywhite including the album's first single " Don't Stop Now ". [12] On 17 March 2007 the band played a live show at their rehearsal studio in front of around fifty fans, friends and family. The performance was streamed live as a webcast . The two-and-a-half hour set included some new tracks, including "Silent House" co-written by Finn with Dixie Chicks vocalist Natalie Maines . A concert onboard The Thekla , moored in Bristol , followed on 19 March.

Crowded House played at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona on 26 April as a warm-up for their appearance at the Coachella Festival on 29 April in Indio, California . They also played at the Australian Live Earth concert in Sydney on 7 July. The next day, Finn and Seymour were interviewed on Rove Live and the band, with Hart and Sherrod, performed "Don't Stop Now" to promote the new album, which was titled Time on Earth. The single was a minor hit in Australia [5] and the UK. [18] The album was released worldwide in June and July. It topped the album chart in New Zealand [6] and made number 2 in Australia [5] and number 3 in the UK. [18] On 6 December 2008 Crowded House played the Homebake festival in Sydney, with warm up gigs at small venues in Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney. For these shows the band were augmented by multi-instrumentalist Don McGlashan and Neil's younger son, Elroy Finn, on guitar.

On 14 March 14, 2009 the band joined Neil's older son, Liam Finn, on stage for three songs at the Sound Relief concert in Melbourne. Intriguer (2009–current) Main articles: Intriguer , The Very Very Best of Crowded House , and He Will Have His Way Nick Seymour, Barcelona, October 2007. Crowded House began recording their follow-up to Time on Earth in April 2009, at Finn's own Roundhead Studios . The album, Intriguer , was produced by Jim Scott who had worked on The Sun Came Out by Neil's 7 Worlds Collide project. In August 2009, Finn travelled to Los Angeles to record some overdubs at Jim Scott's Los Angeles studio before they began mixing tracks. The album was released in June 2010, in time for the band's appearance at the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival near Perth, Western Australia .

Finn stated that the album contains some, "Unexpected twists and turns" and some songs that, "Sound like nothing we've done before." [32] Intriguer topped the Australian album chart, [5] reached number 3 in New Zealand [6] and number 12 in the UK. [18] Crowded House undertook an extensive world tour in 2010 in support of Intriguer. This was the first album where the band regularly interacted with fans via the internet on their own re-launched website, Twitter and Facebook. The band sold recordings of the shows on the Intriguer tour on USB flash drives and made individual live tracks available for free download. A new compilation album, The Very Very Best of Crowded House , was released in October 2010 to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary. [33] It includes 19 of the band's greatest hits and is also available in a box set with a 25 track DVD of their music videos.

A deluxe digital version, available for download only, has 32 tracks including a rare 1987 live recording of the band's version of the Hunters & Collectors song " Throw Your Arms Around Me ". No mention of this album has been made on the band's official website or Twitter page, which suggests that they are not involved with its release. Following the success of the album She Will Have Her Way in 2005, a second album of cover versions of Finn Brothers songs, He Will Have His Way , was released on 12 November 2010. All tracks on this album are performed by Australasian male artists. [34] In November 2011 there was an Australian tour by various artists involved with the "She Will Her Way" and "He Will Have His Way" projects, under the name "They Will Have Their Way." The tour featured Paul Dempsey , Clare Bowditch , Seeker Lover Keeper ( Sarah Blasko , Sally Seltmann and Holly Throsby ), Alexander Gow ( Oh Mercy ) and Lior . [35] Former Crowded House drummer Peter Jones died from brain cancer on May 18, 2012 aged 49.

A statement issued by the band described him as, "A warm-hearted, funny and talented man, who was a valuable member of Crowded House." [36] Style The first single from Together Alone (1993), and the first to feature Mark Hart. Problems listening to these files? See media help . Songwriting and musical influences As the primary songwriter for the band, Neil Finn has always set the tone for the band's sound. Allmusic said that Finn, "Has consistently proven his knack for crafting high-quality songs that combine irresistible melodies with meticulous lyrical detail." [37] Neil's brother Tim was an early and important musical influence. Neil first saw Tim play with Split Enz in 1972, he said, "That performance and those first songs made a lasting impression on me." [38] His mother was another significant musical influence, encouraging him to listen to a variety of genres, including Irish folk music and Māori music . She would play piano at family parties and encourage Neil and Tim to accompany her. [39] Album covers, costumes and set design Bassist Nick Seymour, who is also an artist, designed or co-designed all of the band's album covers and interior artwork.

He also designed some of the costumes worn by the group, notably those from the cover of the group's debut album Crowded House. Seymour collaborated with Finn and Hester on the set design of some of their early music videos, including "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Better Be Home Soon". Since the band reunited, Seymour has again designed their album covers. [2] The majority of the covers for the band's singles were not designed by Seymour. The artwork for "Pineapple Head" was created by Reg Mombassa of Mental As Anything . For the first four albums Mombassa and Noel Crombie , who had been the main designer of Split Enz's artwork, assisted Seymour in creating sets and costumes. For the Farewell to the World concerts Crombie designed the set, while Mombassa and Seymour designed promotional materials and artwork. [40] Members Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Crowded House Crowded House has won several national and international awards. In Australia, the group has won eleven ARIA Awards from 26 nominations, including the inaugural Best New Talent award in 1987 .

[14] The majority of their ARIAs were awarded for their first two albums, Crowded House and Temple of Low Men. [14] They won eight APRA Awards from eleven nominations and were nominated for The New Zealand Silver Scroll for "Don't Stop Now" in 2007. [41] "Don't Dream It's Over" was named the seventh best Australian song of all time in 2001. [17] In 1987, Crowded House won the American MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist for their song "Don't Dream It's Over", which was also nominated for three other awards. [15] In 1994, the group was named International Group of the Year at the BRIT Awards . [42] In 2009, "Don't Dream It's Over" was ranked number fifty on the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, voted by the Australian public. [43] See also Uncrowded house music | Pajama Club | Neil Finn | Sharon Finn Uncrowded house music After 30 years together, Sharon and Neil Finn find a new collaboration.

Craig Mathieson reddit More THE first time Sharon Finn thought of taking up music, it was more than 30 years ago and she was still Sharon Johnson. She had, as her future husband Neil Finn remembers it, a beautiful Gibson SG guitar but the young New Zealand couple had little money to live on, despite Neil having joined his older brother Tim's band, Split Enz. To tide them over Sharon decided to sell the guitar and essentially invest the money in Neil's nascent career. Three decades later, it's proven a wise decision. Through his time with Split Enz, Crowded House and a solo stint, Neil Finn has become one of popular music's most celebrated and respected songwriters. Along the way the couple, who married in February 1982, have raised two children, often while travelling on tour together. And it was when their sons, Liam and Elroy, grew up and left home, that life came full circle and they finally began making music together. SHARE Alana Skyring, Neil Finn, Sharon Finn and Sean Donnelly.

Photo: Simon Schluter About 18 months ago, the Finns' Auckland home grew unnaturally quiet: their children were adults with their own lives and, as professional musicians, touring schedules. But instead of succumbing to empty-nest syndrome, the couple put their privacy to good use. After dinner, which generally came with a decent bottle of red wine, they would retire to the family's music room and start jamming together, with Neil on drums and Sharon picking up the bass. Neither was overly familiar with their respective instrument, so neither had an advantage or easy habits to fall back on. ''I don't belong on drums and Sharon hadn't previously belonged on bass, although she does now,'' Neil says. ''Our enthusiasm and naivete was well matched and we found talents and attributes that we didn't know we had. If I'd sat down with a guitar and said, 'Come on, Sharon, let's write a song', it would have been too awkward with too much water under the bridge but, in this case, we were babes in arms.'' SHARE Link Neil Finn (third from left) in the cosmetically savvy heyday of Split Enz.

The two were in Melbourne in June when the group they'd formed, Pajama Club, announced itself with sold-out shows along Australia's east coast. Launching a group here was a familiar experience for them, as Crowded House had begun in Melbourne in 1985 and they'd lived here for a good part of that decade; Liam Finn was born in Melbourne, on grand final day in 1983, and the obstetrician was late attending because he had a ticket for the clash between Hawthorn and Essendon. Journalists commonly refer to veteran musicians as behaving like an old married couple but Neil and Sharon Finn are a married couple who've only just started behaving like musicians. There's been the odd assist by Sharon in recent years, including writing a song with Neil on the all-star 2009 collaboration they hosted in Auckland, Two Worlds Collide, as well as singing on the latest Crowded House album, 2010's Intriguer. Advertisement ''We didn't really think about it too much,'' Neil says. ''We made this noise instantly and we found out we were compatible, so it was also love at first sight as musicians. ''We never had to figure out what to do with it.

It wasn't a song but it was good. We didn't have any aspirations to record but we knew it was a good thing to do.'' SHARE Link Finn at far left with Crowded House last year. When they'd listen back to the late-night jam sessions, the couple's acid test was whether they found themselves dancing to the groove or not (Sharon is a great dancer, Neil says, but he's uncoordinated). If they did they started working on the songs, sometimes together and at other points with Sharon as Neil's editor. For Neil, the consummate craftsman, the new process was liberating. ''It made a fresh architecture to write songs on, which is really amazing,'' he says. ''After all this time you think you know all your tricks but then you have this drum-and-bass groove and a limited range of notes. It makes you think in a different way.'' A proposed EP became an album and a friend, New Zealand producer and multi-instrumentalist Sean Donnelly, added parts to the recordings and became the first recruit to the project, which they dubbed Pajama Club in honour of their nocturnally attired jam sessions.

The finished album - self-titled and released independently today on their imprint, Lester Records - stays true to the initial inspiration. Crowded House's faultless melodies are supplanted by shimmering sci-fi grooves (You Can't Put It Down Until It Ends), hushed invocations (Golden Child) and discombobulated R&B (Daylight). And if they sound like brash 19-year-olds on the propulsive, lo-fi Go Kart then it's fitting, in a way. ''That is how old we were when we met,'' Sharon says. Having forged her own career designing and selling crystal chandeliers and making mosaics, she had to ease herself into the idea of sharing the spotlight with her husband in an industry where the cliche of the grasping spouse is regularly invoked. ''It's all new to me,'' she says.

''It's a huge step for me because I've been watching Neil and then my kids all these years and I really enjoyed being on the side without the anxiety … Now I understand how terrifying it can be but it won't be terrifying forever.'' The final part of taking Pajama Club on the road was finding a drummer with the right feel to round out the live band, with a preference for a woman to balance the proposed quartet's gender mix. Former Grates drummer Alana Skyring had just finished a year-long course at New York's renowned Institute of Culinary Education and a workplace internship at a Manhattan restaurant when she was asked to audition. After an hour playing together in Auckland she had the gig. ''Sharon and Neil have been married for about 30 years and they've done everything together and now they're rediscovering each other with this project,'' Skyring says. ''When they play they have this interesting eye conversation. If Sharon has a difficulty, Neil is right there and they play with each other but when we're working stuff out they deal with each other in a really respectful way.'' Skyring's unexpected return to a musician's life could hardly have been more fruitful.

Pajama Club's sixth show was playing a Chicago festival curated by Wilco, while sold-out club shows in the US and Britain followed. Neil's fans are meeting them halfway - ''only two drunken dudes screaming out for Weather With You so far,'' Skyring says - and the 29-year-old percussionist has even discovered an unexpected bonus in touring with the Finns. ''It turns out I party like a 50-year-old,'' she says. ''I love going out but I like drinks at five, food at seven and bed at 11pm.'' As for her employers, they're happy to take Pajama Club as far as possible. What could have been a consolation is turning into a new life together for Sharon and Neil Finn. ''It's been an absolute burst of energy for us and now we're on equal terms and I love it,'' Neil says. ''Nothing is good without risk.'' Pajama Club play the Prince of Wales next Thursday. Advertisement New Zealand A to Z | Music Dave Dobbyn Crowded House After the break up of Split Enz in 1984, one of its major songwriters, Neil Finn (b.

27 May 1958, Te Awamutu, New Zealand; guitar), along with Split Enz drummer Paul Hester plus Craig Hooper (guitar) and Nick Seymour (bass) formed Crowded House in 1986, after originally calling themselves the Mullanes. Signed to Capitol Records, the group resided in Los Angeles (where they were given their new name after the group's cramped living conditions), and worked with producer Mitchell Froom. With the group by now reduced to a trio with the departure of Hooper, Crowded House's debut album was released to little fanfare, but two singles lifted from it became enormously successful giving the group US chart hits with 'Don't Dream It's Over' (number 2) and 'Something So Strong' (number 7) in 1987. The album had one of the longest ascents up the charts ever noted, eventually peaking at number 12. A subdued reaction to the second album failed to consolidate the group's reputation in the singles chart despite reaching the US Top 40.

Paul Young gave the group some welcome publicity in the UK by singing 'Don't Dream It's Over' at the Nelson Mandela concert at Wembley Stadium in June 1988. Neil's reconciliation with brother Tim Finn led to Crowded House strengthening the line-up when he joined in February 1991. The Finn brothers subsequently cracked the UK market with the Top 20 hit 'Fall At Your Feet' (1991) and the Top 10 with 'Weather With You' (1992). The much acclaimed album Woodface also reached the Top 10 in the UK Crowded House's standing in their adopted home of Melbourne, Australia is such that the Melbourne Museum For Performing Arts displays a Crowded House exhibition, containing assorted memorabilia of the group. In November 1991, while the band were enjoying world-wide success, Tim Finn decided to leave the line-up and continue with his solo career. Both brothers were awarded the OBE in June 1993 for their contribution to music of New Zealand. In June 1996 they announced their farewell, bowing out with an excellent compilation package featuring three new songs.

Their emotional final performance was in Sydney on 24 November 1996. Neil Finn moved on to a solo career, releasing his debut album in June 1998. Split Enz Split Enz was a successful New Zealand band during the late 1970s and early 1980s featuring brothers Tim and Neil Finn. Their musical style was eclectic and original, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, rock and pop. The band started life in 1971 at the Auckland University, where Tim met up with (old friend) Mike Chunn, Robert Gillies, Philip Judd and Noel Crombie. From 1972 the band became a full-time occupation for the friends, and they called the band Split Ends. The spelling was later changed to Split Enz when they went on their first trip to Australia, to signify their New Zealand roots. They were widely known for their unique visual presentation. Their costumes and hair were like nothing else, wild and colourful and inventive.

The costumes were designed by Noel Crombie, who also designed most of the group's other visual material, such as stage sets, posters, stickers and album covers, as well as directing many of the band's music videos. The group's career falls into two distinct phases. The first was firmly rooted in the progressive rock scene of the early 1970s. The Enz started out as an adventurous, flamboyant art-rock band -- although their music was generally far more accessible than some of their more grandiose European 'prog-rock' counterparts. This first incarnation lasted about five years, through their move to Australia and the early part of their stay in England, and closed with the departure of co-founder Philip Judd in 1977. During the transitional period of 1978-79, a new line-up consolidated behind Tim Finn, and though they struggled to survive, they gradually reined in the more extreme aspects of their music and presentation without sacrificing their individuality.

In 1980, Split Enz (Mark II) scored major successes with a superb trio of early 80's albums -- True Colours, Waiata (released as Corroboree in Australia) and Time & Tide -- which made them one of the most successful and popular Australasian groups, a position they held until their final split in 1984. It is also notable that Split Enz only recorded original material; every song on every Enz album and single was written by members of the group.

Artist Profile & Brief Biography Band members: Tim Finn, Phil Judd, Jonathan Michael Chunn, Noel Crombie, Paul Emlyn Crowther, Neil Finn, Robert Gillies, Mal Green, Nigel Griggs, Paul Hester, Eddie Rayner, Wally Wilkinson, Miles Golding, Geoff Chunn, Michael Howard Musical style: New Wave, Art Rock, Pop Performed songs by: Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Phil Judd, Eddie Rayner, Nigel Griggs, Robert Gillies, Noel Crombie, Mal Green, Jonathan Michael Chunn Formal connections: Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Crowded House, Finn Brothers, Schnell Fenster, ALT, Enzso, Phil Judd, Swingers, The Makers Similar artists: XTC, Squeeze, Mental as Anything Selected discography: Split Enz Split Enz Band History Split Enz began its life as "Split Ends" in Auckland, 1972. The band made its debut performance at the Wynyard Tavern, Auckland, in December of that year.

The original line-up was described as a "folky combo" that included Tim Finn (vocals/guitar), Phil Judd (co-founder, guitarist and songwriter), Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin), Mike Howard (flute), with Geoff Chunn sitting in on drums. Finn and Judd eventually changed the band's name to "Split Enz" in early 1974. Split Enz's music and performances were highly inventive. Their style of music has been described variously as New Wave, Rock, Pop and Postmodern. Their theatrical stage act was a blend of disparate elements from the music hall, opera buffa, and art rock. Onstage, Split Enz's dramatic presence was enhanced by band member Noel Crombie's stage and costume designs. At the end of 1973, Crombie took an active role in designing and making the costumes and sets. He continued to personally design what he affectionately calls his "cozzies" until 1983. In 1974, Crombie became a fulltime member of the band playing percussion. The band's orchestrated performances incorporating unusual sets and costumes reflected the various stages of Split Enz's musical development.

In August 1984, Split Enz announced their decision to break up and go their separate ways. After 12 successful years they had produced 10 albums and had formed a strong national and international reputation. At this stage the band line-up included Tim Finn (vocal/guitar), Neil Finn (vocals/guitar), Noel Crombie (percussion), Eddie Rayner (keyboards), Nigel Griggs (bass) and Paul Hester (drums). In September of that year, Split Enz embarked on their farewell national tour, "Enz with a Bang". After the end of the "Enz", Tim Finn continued to forge a solo career, while in1986 Neil Finn and Paul Hester formed Crowded House with Nick Seymour. Noel Crombie, Eddie Rayner and Nigel Griggs all went on to pursue other musical and artistic ventures. Collection Highlights The Performing Arts Collection features the exclusive and extensive holding of Split Enz costumes. Designed by band member Noel Crombie (drummer/vocalist), the collection comprises 18 sets of costumes and related costume designs worn by band members during 1974 -1984.

Crombie designed the costumes as well as the stage sets to correspond to specific album releases and tours such as Dizrythmia (1977), True Colours (1980) and Corroboree (1981). The Split Enz Costume Collection featured in the Performing Arts Museum exhibition, Sew this is the Enz (1986) and in the Arts Centre's virtual exhibition Drawn, Worn, Reborn (2003). Select costumes from the collection were also included in the True Colours exhibition at the Te Awamutu Museum in New Zealand, the hometown of Tim and Neil Finn (December 1998 - July 1999). The costume collection is complemented by photographs, costume designs by Noel Crombie, a make-up case, album covers and posters. Visit the Drawn, Worn and Re-born website to view a selection of Split Enz designs and costumes.

Question: Where was co-founder of band which became Crowded House, Tim Finn, born and raised?
Answer: New Zealand