Hey Now, Hey Now - This Is Our Dream Crowded House Bluesfest Setlist

Returning to the scene of their 1996 farewell show, 2016 saw Crowded House back on the Sydney Opera House steps in triumphant form. Neil Finn, reenergised, then joined Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and now he and founding bassist Nick Seymour are “inspired to begin a new chapter in the Crowded House story”. 

The opening of that new chapter will be written at Bluesfest next month and to celebrate the iconic Australian band, and their immense catalogue, we’ve cobbled together a list of the songs sure to bring the (crowded) house down. Think of it as the ultimate Crowded House setlist. 

The Moment Of Pure Joy

Something So Strong

There’s something inherently joyous about Crowded House. And no track more so than 1986’s Something So Strong. Taken off their eponymous debut, the song was reportedly the first Finn wrote, alongside producer Mitchell Froom who will guest at Bluesfest, specifically for Crowded House, so it seems even more fitting to start the set here. 

The Blast From The Past 

Split Enz - I Got You

While we’re feeling those sentimental early years, it would be amiss if Finn didn’t head across the ditch and pay homage to where it all began. I Got You is the obvious choice here but kicking off with the frenzied Shark Attack would sure make for one hell of an opening. 

The Ode To Tim

Weather With You 

Speaking of the Finn brothers... Tim Finn - Neil’s brother, Split Enz founder and one-time member of Crowded House - jumped up on stage in that iconic 2016 concert for It’s Only Natural and Chocolate Cake. Wouldn’t it be pretty darn special though to watch the two of them perform Weather With You, which they wrote together in 1992?

The 'Lighters In The Air' Moment 

Don’t Dream It’s Over 

Stevie Nicks has been quoted saying songs like Don't Dream It's Over “only come along once in a lifetime”. With poignant lyrics like, “They come, they come/To build a wall between us/We know they won't win,” hitting home just as hard three decades on, there won’t be a dry eye in the house when this inevitably plays. 

The Nod To The Mac 

Fleetwood Mac - Landslide

What a moment in Fleetwood Mac’s recent Australian tour when Finn played alongside Nicks on Landslide. We already know Bluesfest punters are fans of the Mac, Mick Fleetwood’s appearance in 2016 case-in-point, so while Finn is fobbing off his current day job with the iconic band, this would go down a treat.

The One For Hester

Italian Plastic

It would be wrong not to pour one out for Paul Hester, drummer for both Crowded House and Split Enz, who died in 2005. The 2016 anniversary concert saw Finn dedicate Italian Plastic to Hester, The Guardian reporting it was described “as a song which, like his friend, [was] filled with joy”.

The Family Matter

Pineapple Head

Finn will be joined onstage by his two sons, Liam and Elroy, in Byron Bay and the inclusion of Pineapple Head, a song inspired by Liam in the early ‘90s, would be a nice full-circle moment. Gotta keep it in the family. 

The One For The Lovers

Fall At Your Feet

Not much to be said here. Just be sure to find someone you love and hold them close. 

The Singalong

Better Be Home Soon

There will be a point where, sadly, the show must come to an end. And when that time comes, just imagine standing in a crowd, arms open wide, belting out the lyrics to Better Be Home Soon. What a time to be alive. 

Crowded House play Byron Bay Bluesfest on Sunday 12 April in an exclusive headline performance. Scroll down to theGuide for all the details.