“I’m remembering a lot of people I love from this city, and people I love in this room.”
Neil Finn has a long history with Melbourne, and Australia’s favourite adopted son honoured this strong connection with a two hour-plus set drawing on material from his illustrious career.
Charming Utah folk singer Joshua James provided the sole support, joined by a friend and long time collaborator on electric guitar. The artist was obviously somewhat awe-inspired by playing in the cavernous Hamer Hall, but as soon as he started singing he was lost in his own world, eyes closed while delivering powerfully strong vocals that contrasted greatly with his softly-spoken and impossibly polite between-song banter.
Young children wandered through the aisles during the break, a testament to Finn’s enduring appeal across many generations. The 55-year-old is hilariously active on Twitter, and just a few months ago he appeared at the solely youth-focused Falls Festival.
An array of instruments were strewn across the large stage as Finn and his five-piece band, including wife Sharon on bass, strode on stage. Opening with ‘Impressions’, Finn started on piano before quickly switching to the centre of the stage and donning an acoustic guitar.
‘Fall At Your Feet’ saw the first overwhelming reaction, something that would continue across the night. Each older song was met with an adoring, almost stunned, surprise, as if the audience had just been reunited with an old friend. And in many ways, they had.
The set saw the New Zealand-born artist explore his extensive back-catalogue, playing fan-favourite Split Enz and Crowded House songs as well as material from his three solo albums – including from his newest effort, Dizzy Heights, released last month.
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The new material was received warmly by the sold-out Hamer Hall, but even Finn admitted it was somewhat of an “indulgence”, although it’s one he has more than earned. The new songs definitely hold their own, and display the performer’s ability to adapt and transform his style, featuring more electronic elements while maintaining his unique and unmistakable songwriting.
One of Finn’s enduring qualities is his ‘every man’ reputation: he’s charming, funny, and relatable, and after two hours on stage, every person in the audience felt like they were now his best friend. From the first (genius) pun of “Stop, it’s Hamer Time” (which was very quickly blamed on a band member), to childhood stories of Grahams and Tanias, the pseudo Australia’s banter was nearly as entertaining as the actual songs.
Just as much of his lyrics do, the audience exchanges quickly moved from amusing to touching and heartfelt, with Finn reflecting on the importance of real-world interactions and live music: “Ultimately the act of going out and seeing real people is still meaningful.”
A call out for audience-requests led to a demo-version of Split Enz song ‘Strait Old Line’ that, according to Finn, hasn’t been played for about 30 years, while Crowded House’s iconic ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ saw the biggest sing-along of the night.
A mesmerising, fluffy backdrop – something recognised by Finn as “next level shit” – added another element to the performance, designed by Noel Crombie and his partner Sally Mill.
His hair may be significantly grayer, but the gleeful performer proved he still has the energy and enthusiasm for music (although this had been made clear across the night) by sprinting abruptly back on stage for an encore and leaping unceremoniously onto the grand piano.
After an encore including the title-track from his latest release, the prodigal talent departed again before returning for a second and last encore. Finn was in his element, alone in the spotlight on stage with just his acoustic guitar to accompany him, providing a truly special and intimate conclusion to what was a joyful and generous performance.
After a cover of The Beatles’ ‘Rocky Raccoon’, the delicate ‘Private Universe’ gave arguably the most touching, beautiful moment, before ‘The Devil You Know’ brought the night to a conclusion.
It was a performance from a seasoned master that proved just why Neil Finn has been able to expertly transcend generations and genres, why he holds such a special place in people’s hearts, and why he’s just about the best songwriting talent that Australia has tried to lay claim to.
Setlist
Impressions
Strangest Friends
Fall At Your Feet (Crowded House)
Distant Sun (Crowded House)
Turn and Run
From A Friend to A Friend (Pajama Club)
Recluse
Better Than TV
Sinner
Only Talking Sense
White Lies and Alibis
Divebomber
Message To My Girl (Split Enz)
Strait Old Line (Split Enz)
Don’t Dream It’s Over (Crowded House)
Pony Ride
Locked Out (Crowded House)
She Will Have Her Way
One Step Ahead (Split Enz)
Dizzy Heights
I Got You (Split Enz)
Rocky Raccoon (The Beatles cover)
Private Universe (Crowded House)
The Devil You Know (Split Enz)
