THE STORY

Crowded House was formed from the remains of Split Enz in 1985. Neil Finn and Paul Hester met Nick Seymour at a party in Melbourne where he convinced them to give him a go. They played their first concert as 'The Mullanes' at the Byron Bay Arts Factory (The Piggery) in 1985, and were soon off to the U.S.. They released their self-titled debut album in 1986 and had a string of hits including World Where You Live, Something So Strong and of course, Don't Dream It's Over.

In 1988 the Crowdies were back with their second album, Temple Of Low Men. It was greeted with critical acclaim and a publicity blitz, but sales were down everywhere except in Australia. U.S. buyers didn't go for Neil's brooding melancholy and the haunting melodies of TOLM. Australian audiences were more impressed and sent the first single Better Be Home Soon to Number 2. It was followed by some minor hits including the party favourite Sister Madly.

It was to be four years before Crowded House released another album. After Woodface was initially rejected by Capitol Records, Neil combined it with a project involving his brother. Thus Tim joined Crowded House and Woodface was eventually released with a combination of Finn Brothers songs and Crowded House songs. While not a cohesive album it featured many brilliant individual songs such as Fall At Your Feet, It's Only Natural and Weather With You. The band hit back at critics in the U.S. by releasing the satirical Chocolate Cake as the first single. It'll always be remembered as their biggest mistake.

In 1993 with new keyboardist/guitarist Mark Hart, Together Alone, an album recorded at Kare Kare on the New Zealand coast was released. It didn't have the success of the previous three albums despite containing the brilliant Distant Sun, Private Universe and Nails In My Feet.

Late in 1994, Paul Hester left the band citing the lengthy touring schedules as a reason. He was replaced by Deadstar drummer Peter Jones for the remaining concerts, although he didn't actually join the band. He never really had a chance. In June 1996, Neil announced the breakup of Crowded House in London. This was around the time that a 19 track best of album, Recurring Dream was released. It has gone seven times platinum around the world. It featured the return of Paul Hester for three new songs, Everything Is Good For You, Not The Girl You Think You Are, and Instinct.

Crowded House gave one last concert on November 24, 1996 on the steps of the Sydney Opera House for 150,000+ family, friends and fans, with profits going to support cancer research and other charities.

Neil's solo album Try Whistling This was released in June 1998, Paul is running his cafe on Port Phillip Bay and playing in his band Largest Living Things, Nick had a stint with Melbourne band Deadstar and is now pursuing his art career and playing on various projects, and Mark Hart joined Supertramp for their world tour.

Neil Finn's second solo album, One Nil, came out in June 2001, to good reviews, but disappointing sales. Mark Hart released his first solo album, Nada Sonata, in mid 2001. It is available on the PBS Records label in the US.