Friday 19th December

Neil Finn was drafted in to the Australian punk-glam-rock band Split Enz by his brother Tim.  Straightaway he was a star, writing their biggest hit “I Got You” and sharing lead vocals with older brother Tim.  Neil left around 1980 and soon formed Crowded House, a trio, guitar, drums and base.  Almost straightaway they were a hit, writing sharp and clever songs and beautiful haunting ballads.  Three albums followed their debut and each was brilliant.  On number three big brother Tim joined the band, but this was for just the one record.  They were truly wonderful, and their live concerts were legendary with great humour and interplay with the audience.  I saw them several times in the eighties.

Then suddenly after four records it was over.  Neil went solo; apparently he was tired of all the adulation and the madness of it all and wanted to concentrate on writing and recording.  A few average records followed and about ten years ago Crowded House reformed.  I have bought the new records but really the magic has gone.  Everywhere they went they always took the weather with them and though we might not have dreamed it was over, it was really.