Forming in Melbourne, Australia, in 1985, Crowded House have sold 15 million albums worldwide, with four number one albums in Australia, earning them 13 ARIA Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and a BRIT Award.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1986 to huge acclaim, achieving platinum status in four countries. It included the massive hits Don’t Dream It’s Over and Something So Strong. The former became an international hit, reaching number one in New Zealand and Canada, and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The second album, Temple Of Low Men, followed in 1988, peaking at number one in Australia and number two in New Zealand.
The original line-up consisted of Neil Finn (vocals, guitar, keys, and lyrics), Nick Seymour (bass and keys), and the late Paul Hester (drums and vocals). Over the years, the group has welcomed numerous high-profile musicians as members. Notable additions included multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart of Supertramp fame and Beck drummer Matt Sherrod.
Finn’s brother, Tim – founder of Neil’s former band Split Enz - also joined the band for their third album, Woodface (1991) co-writing eight of the tracks. Another major hit in Australia and New Zealand, this third album featured the UK top 10 hit Weather With You.
The band played an unforgettable farewell gig to a crowd of around 150,000 on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in 1996, raising money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital before a temporary nine-year hiatus.
The tragic passing of Hester compelled the band to regroup in 2005 to honour their former bandmate's memory. Time on Earth (2007) and Intriguer (2010) both reached number one in Australia, a testament to the band’s unwavering relevance.
Since the band’s seminal early albums, 2016 saw them inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, while Neil Finn joined Fleetwood Mac in 2018 on a huge world tour.
The band reunited formerly in 2020 with its current line-up, featuring original members Finn and Seymour, joined by Mitchell Froom – producer of their first albums – and Finn’s sons, Liam and Elroy.
Their latest album, Dreamers Are Waiting, was released in 2021, marking the first full album release in 11 years and scooping up yet another ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
