Live Review: Crowded House with Sheryl Crow at the Roxy Theatre in Atlanta, April 14, 1994

On tour promoting their fourth studio album Together Alone, Crowded House has reached critical and popular acclaim. The New Zealand trio recently added American multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart, who has lifted the band to the next level of sound. Still known for their smash hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over” from their 1986 debut album, the Neil Finn-helmed group has evolved over the past eight years into a powerhouse of hits.

Along with Finn, the co-founders included bassist and mad album art creator Nick Seymour, along with drummer and life-of-the-party Paul Hester. As the evening progressed, we discovered that this would be Hester’s final show with the band as he would leave after. While fans weren’t too sure what to make of it, Hester had been fighting the demons for some time, suffering from depression and mood swings. Hester would take his own life 11 years later.

On this night, however, the boys were full of apparent promise for the band’s future. But to kick off the show, “Kare Kare” rocked into existence with Finn singing “I was standing on a wave, then I made the drop” as he spun in circles, playing that underrated guitar. Known for their between-songs banter, tonight was no exception. The boys are true entertainers – and seem to enjoy each other’s company – with self-deprecating humor, and observational wit.

Eight songs were featured from Alone, possessing songs showcasing Finn’s

For his final show, Hester would shout out his requests – especially during the encore – setting the playlist for the second half of the evening.