Crowded House is an Australian rock band formed in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Neil Finn, bassist and keyboardist Nick Seymour, and drummer Paul Hester. The band achieved international success with their self-titled debut album, which was released in 1986, spawning the hit singles “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong”. Since then, Crowded House has released six studio albums and had numerous hit singles, including “Weather With You”, “Four Seasons in One Day” and “Fall at Your Feet”. They have also achieved success in the United States, with the hit single “Better Be Home Soon”. The band has been nominated for several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1988 and two ARIA Music Awards for Best Group in 1989 and 1990.
Early Life and Influences
Crowded House, the iconic Australian-New Zealand rock band, has earned an international following since their formation in 1985. The group’s sound is a unique blend of rock, pop, and folk elements, with one foot in the past and the other in the present. But what are the early influences that shaped their distinctive sound? To understand the music of Crowded House, it’s important to explore the members’ early lives and the experiences that have informed their sound.
The band’s three core members, Neil Finn, Paul Hester, and Nick Seymour, grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Neil and Paul were childhood friends, and their upbringing was steeped in music, with both of their families encouraging their musical ambitions. They were heavily influenced by their parents’ record collections, which included classic pop, R&B, soul, and folk.
Neil Finn was inspired by the work of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Costello, while Paul Hester was drawn to the sounds of the Beatles, the Byrds, and the Beach Boys. But it was their shared love of the legendary British folk-rock band Fairport Convention that really sealed the deal and provided the foundation for their unique musical style.
As a result of their collective musical background, Crowded House has been able to create a sound that has resonated with fans around the world. Their thoughtful lyrics and melodic tunes have earned them a loyal and dedicated fan base.
Musical Career
Since the mid-1980s, Crowded House has been one of the most popular and influential bands in the music industry. Led by principal songwriter Neil Finn, the New Zealand-based rock band has released a total of six studio albums, three live albums, and over twenty hit singles.
Crowded House’s career began in 1985 when Neil Finn and his older brother Tim formed the group in Melbourne, Australia. The band’s debut album, “Crowded House”, was released to critical acclaim in 1986 and featured the hit singles “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong”. The album went on to become a commercial success, earning gold and platinum certifications in multiple countries.
The band released its follow-up album, “Temple of Low Men”, in 1988. The album was another success and spawned the hit singles “Better Be Home Soon” and “Into Temptation”. Crowded House continued to tour and record for the next few years, releasing the albums “Woodface” (1991), “Together Alone” (1993), and “Recurring Dream” (1996).
In 1996, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, but reconvened in 2005 for a reunion tour. The band released its sixth studio album, “Time on Earth”, in 2007 and went on tour again. In 2016, the band released its seventh studio album, “Intriguer”, and embarked on a world tour.
Today, Crowded House is widely recognized as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s. The band has sold millions of records worldwide and its songs have been covered by numerous other artists. Crowded House’s influence and legacy will undoubtedly continue to live on for years to come.
Major Achievements
Crowded House stands among some of the most iconic rock bands of the late 20th century. Having formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1985, the band quickly made a name for itself with their distinct fusion of pop, rock, and folk music. With their unique sound, they achieved considerable success, both critically and commercially. In the following years, the band would achieve several major accomplishments.
The band’s debut album, Crowded House, was released in 1986 and immediately earned them a cult following. It peaked at number twelve in the UK Albums Chart. It also went on to be certified as 8x Platinum in Australia and Gold in the UK.
In 1987, the band released their sophomore album, Temple of Low Men. The album would go on to reach number two in the Australian Albums Chart and number fourteen in the UK Albums Chart. In 1988, Crowded House released their third album, Woodface. It peaked at number one in both Australia and New Zealand and number three in the UK Albums Chart. It was also certified as 4x Platinum in Australia and 2x Platinum in the UK.
In 1990, the band released their fourth album, Together Alone. This album saw the band move further away from their classic sound and adopt a more experimental approach. The album peaked at number one in New Zealand and number three in both Australia and the UK Albums Chart. It was certified as 4x Platinum in New Zealand and 3x Platinum in Australia.
Crowded House’s major achievements have solidified their place in the annals of music history. Their unique blend of pop, rock, and folk has made them one of the most beloved bands to have come out of Australia.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Crowded House is a well-known and successful rock band that formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1985. Despite disbanding in 1996, the band has continued to make music and collaborate with other artists over the years.
Crowded House has collaborated with numerous artists, including Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Johnny Marr, and The Pretenders. The band has also contributed to soundtracks for films, including “Twister” and “The Parent Trap”.
In addition to their collaborations, Crowded House have also worked on side projects. For example, in 2017, they released the album “Time on Earth” with their side project, Pajama Club. The band has also released several solo projects, including Neil Finn’s solo album “One Nil” in 2001 and Tim Finn’s “Before and After” in 1992.
Overall, Crowded House has remained active and successful since their formation in 1985. They have worked with numerous artists, contributed to soundtracks, and released side projects and solo material. Their music has been praised for its unique sound and timeless quality, and they continue to be an influential force in the music industry.
Personal Life
Crowded House formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1985, and it’s been an iconic band in the music industry ever since. Led by frontman Neil Finn, the group has released albums such as “Woodface” and “Temple of Low Men” and has been nominated for a Grammy Award. However, there’s more to the band than just their music. The members of Crowded House have had a fascinating personal life that includes a variety of romantic relationships, family ties, and other interesting stories.
Neil Finn married Sharon Finn in 1994 and they have two sons, Liam and Elroy. Liam Finn is also a musician and has released several solo albums. Elroy is an actor who has appeared in films such as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Sharon is also a musician and singer and she has collaborated with Neil on several albums.
Bassist Nick Seymour is married to artist Jocelyn Price. They have four children together, including musicians Bryony and Declan. Drummer Paul Hester married Louise, a teacher, and they had two children, Lily and Harry.
Crowded House was mainly formed and led by Neil Finn, but the other band members played an integral role in its success. Therefore, their personal lives and relationships are an important part of the band’s story.
Legacy
and Influence
The musical legacy of Crowded House is one that has been widely celebrated and admired for decades. Formed in 1985 by former Split Enz frontman Neil Finn and drummer Paul Hester, the band quickly established itself as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the era. Drawing inspiration from a range of genres, including folk, pop, and rock, the band released five studio albums between 1986 and 2010, all of which have since attained multi-platinum status.
The back-catalog of Crowded House has continued to influence artists in many different genres, from contemporary rock to indie folk. The band’s most popular songs, such as “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “Fall At Your Feet,” and “Weather With You,” have been covered by a diverse range of artists, demonstrating the timelessness of their music.
Crowded House’s influence and legacy was finally cemented in 2016, when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in Australia. The band’s members have also been inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame, further cementing their place in the annals of musical history.
FAQs About the Crowded House Biography
1. Who are the members of Crowded House?
The band’s current lineup consists of Neil Finn (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Nick Seymour (bass, backing vocals), Matt Sherrod (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Tim Finn (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals).
2. When was Crowded House formed?
The band was formed in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia.
3. What albums has Crowded House released?
Crowded House has released 8 studio albums, including Crowded House (1986), Temple of Low Men (1988), Woodface (1991), Together Alone (1993), Recurring Dream (1996), Time on Earth (2007), Intriguer (2010) and Dreamers Are Waiting (2021).
Conclusion
Crowded House is an iconic band that has had a long and successful career. They have released some of the most memorable music of the last 30 years, and have won numerous awards and accolades for their work. They have a long list of fans that have enjoyed their music throughout the years and continue to do so today. Their music has transcended generations, and they are considered one of the most influential bands in music history. Crowded House has left an indelible mark on the music industry and will continue to do so for years to come.
