Reviewed onFriday November 25 (photo by Ashley Mar)
Somehow it feels like Crowded House have never gone away. Perhaps it’s the ubiquity of their songs, which have been the foundation of rock and adult contemporary radio in this country for decades now. Perhaps it’s the fact Neil Finn has kept churning out verses and choruses like a one-man hitmaking machine since his most famous project bid farewell on the steps of the Sydney Opera House some 20 years ago. And yes, there were reunion shows from 2007 onwards. But amid all this, there’s a sense Crowded House have been due for a homecoming; a real occasion to show they aren’t just everywhere at once, they are here and now. And the Opera House provides the backdrop once again.
This is one of four sold-out shows on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, and as much a gathering for the fans as it is for the current Crowded House lineup. Individuals in the audience seem to each be here for a different song that means something to them in a different way: some bellow along to the call-and-response of ‘World Where You Live’, others gently mouth the harmonies to ‘Whispers And Moans’.
It can make for a segmented set when an artist offers so many things to so many people, but the frontman Finn binds everyone together. He conducts a part-by-part singalong to ‘Fall At Your Feet’, and pokes fun at the local residents of the ‘Toaster’ building, who’ve made a habit of complaining about noise from live concerts taking place at the world’s most recognisable concert venue (go figure).
There are no such complaints about the fireworks above the Harbour Bridge during a slower section of the setlist, though the band is clearly as surprised as the audience. There are surprises onstage, too, as Tim Finn emerges for ‘It’s Only Natural’, and ends up leading the band himself on ‘Chocolate Cake’. Truly, seeing the Finn brothers coordinate an Angus Young goosestep with their acoustic guitars is a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
The last part of the show features a parade of Neil Finn masterpieces – ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Distant Sun’, ‘Weather With You’ and the climactic ‘Better Be Home Soon’ – and while the location is breathtaking, it’s these songs that have proven life-giving. “Thank you for keeping them alive,” Finn says. “For letting them accompany your sad moments, your happy moments. I couldn’t ask for more.” No, Neil, the pleasure has been ours.
