:: The Finn Brothers - Enmore Theatre - December 2005

By: Katie Stevenson

This was the first time The Finn Brothers had played in the historic Enmore Theatre. It was fittingly a reunion of old friends and new, with “old” Crowded House bassist Nick Seymour, “older” Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner, and newcomer Joey Waronker on drums. Of course, there were “The Finn Boys” Neil and Tim on their guitars, plus backing vocals provided by their band mates and almost 2000 fans. Some were there rediscovering songs from their younger days, and those perhaps discovering The Finns for the first time. These were real fans; ones who had “found out” about this secret gig.

The band opened with the Crowded House classic “Weather With You” and, as that famous opening riff rang out, the audience was washed with a watery pale blue light. The brothers had obviously put a lot of effort into their show's production, with appropriate lighting, backing images, and the occasional smoke to fit the mood. Throughout the show the boys proved they can still rock out like they could previously, with extended jams, guitar solos from Neil, and slightly possessed dancing from Tim. Between each song was lots of laughing and joking. The boys looked delighted to be there, back together and playing again.

As well as some of their new songs, there was a democratic mix of old favourites from Crowded House and Split Enz days, including, “Distant Sun”, “Six Months in A Leaky Boat”, “Don’t Dream It's Over”, “Pineapple Head”, “History Never Repeats”, and “It's Only Natural”, which featured an awesome piano solo from Eddie. This was followed by not one but two encores, firstly featuring “Everyone Is Here” from their latest album, and “I See Red”, with Tim looking as if he really did, and the second showing “I Got You”, and Neil’s touching tribute to lost band mate Paul Hester with “Four Seasons In One Day”.

This performance showcased The Finn Brothers' immense contribution to Australian (and New Zealand) music, and, if this show is anything to go by, they’ll continue it for many years to come.