Del.icio.usCrowded House
Fact Sheet
| Musical genre: | Rock |
| Country | Australia |
| Years active | 1985-1996 |
The group had important connections in the Australian and New Zealand rock scenes. Neil Finn and Paul Hester were former members of Split Enz; Neil was the younger brother of Split Enz founding member Tim Finn. Bassist Nick Seymour was the younger brother of singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Seymour, leader of Australian rock group Hunters & Collectors.
The first incarnation of the band, The Mullanes was a 4-piece which also included guitarist Craig Hooper, formerly of The Reels, but Hooper left the group before their first album and the change of name to Crowded House. Early in their career they also invited former Split Enz keyboard player Eddie Rayner to join, but he declined. Tim Finn joined the group for their third album, Woodface but left again soon after.
The group's output was mainly folk-influenced pop-rock, but Finn's outstanding songwriting skills made them stand out from similar bands. By far New Zealand's most internationally-successful popular musicians, their notable hits include "Better Be Home Soon", "Something So Strong", "Don't Dream It's Over", and the Byrds-influenced "Weather with You". They released four albums during their career: Crowded House, Temple of Low Men, Woodface and Together Alone, plus the posthumous Best-Of Recurring Dream as well as the rarities collection Afterglow.
Members of the band included Tim Finn (Neil's brother) in 1990/91, Nick Seymour, Paul Hester (1986-1994), Mark Hart (1993-1996) and Peter Jones (1994-1996).
The group broke up amicably in 1996, following Hester's acrimonious departure in the middle of an American tour; he was replaced for a short time by Jones. Finn decided to end the group soon after, and Hester returned for their massively successful free farewell concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. However, various members of the group still turn up as guest musicians at each other's concerts on a regular basis.
Since the break up, Neil has embarked on a successful solo career and Tim has resumed his, although they have continued to work together and have recorded two Finn Brothers albums. Mark Hart rejoined Supertramp. Paul Hester became a television personality in Australia with his own prime-time show and is working mostly as a freelance drummer (e.g. for Tarmac Adam). Nick Seymour produces bands in his studio in Dublin.