Crowded House returned to their hometown last night, playing a fan-club only show at Melbourne's famed Corner Hotel.
Fans had been waiting outside the venue from 10am for the 8.30pm show, not to get tickets, just to get a good spot.The two hour show began with a live favourite, 'Recurring Dream' before launching into a swagger of hits, flawlessly intertwined with lesser known album tracks and of course the new album, 'Time On Earth'.
Tickets to the show were only available through the fan club, so the fans knew the songs and knew them well, particularly evident in the big hits, but noticeable even in songs like 'Nails In My Feet' and 'Walking On The Spot'.
One of the band's biggest hits 'Don't Dream It's Over' was split into four parts. Neil Finn said "Let's see if we can butcher this song!" before playing a fast version, a reggae version, a "Cowboy Junkies" version ("No, no, not like that, it's got to be slow and druggy!") before finishing with the original.
The band, who played at Sydney's 'Live Earth' gig two days before, will jet set around the planet playing gigs in North America and Europe before returning for a full arena tour later in the year.
Original drummer, the late Paul Hester was mentioned once before they played a "Melbourne song", 'Four Seasons In One Day'. "Let's do it for Paul," Finn told the crowd.
It must be said however, that new drummer Matt Sherrod (Beck) simply doesn't do the band justice. While an excellent drummer, Crowded House's beauty was a rhythm section that gently eased the songs along, rather than forced them through.
The remainder of the band were in fine form, with the band's former touring guitarist/keyboardist Mark Hart rejoining, Neil Finn's son Liam on guitar and of course original bass player Nick Seymour.
"Since when did Nick Seymour get a personality?" one fan was heard saying as they walked out.
The gig was one of five club shows the band is doing around the world (Auckland, Melbourne, LA, New York and London).
The complete set for Crowded House at The Corner Hotel, Melbourne was:
Recurring Dream (from Afterglow - 1999)
Mean To Me (from Crowded House - 1986)
Heaven That I'm Making (from Time On Earth - 2007)
When You Come (from Temple Of Low Men - 1988)
Nobody Wants To (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Pineapple Head (from Together Alone - 1993)
Silent House (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Nails In My Feet (from Together Alone - 1993)
World Where You Live (from Crowded House - 1986)
You Are The One To Make Me Cry (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Walked Her Way Down (from Time On Earth - 2007)
People Are Like Suns (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Locked Out (from Together Alone - 1993)
Something So Strong (from Crowded House - 1986)
Don't Dream It's Over (from Crowded House - 1986)
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Don't Stop Now (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Fall At Your Feet (from Woodface - 1991)
Distant Sun (from Together Alone - 1993)
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Pour Le Monde (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Walking On The Spot (from Together Alone - 1993)
She Called Up (from Time On Earth - 2007)
Four Seasons In One Day (from Woodface - 1991)
Sister Madly (from Temple Of Low Men - 1988)
