KEY POINTS:
Neil Finn declares: "I am quite enjoying the feeling of being unpopular. There is something liberating in it." He's reacting to the debate about his views on the music industry and the Prime Minister.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Dave McArtney, Graham & the Sailors
Neil, you have our suppport. Thanks for 'speakin' out' and we all know that that takes a certain degree of courage in this vicious little colony.
Justine (Kiwi in London)
Since when was a kiwi not entitled to have an opinion? Neil is entitled to his opinion just like the rest of us, and he does have a valid point to make - relating to music and political flagwaving. I imagine that nearly all the audience went to the event to hear music, catch up with friends and colleagues and to congratulate the winners, not to congratulate the government for sponsoring the arts. The government is sponsoring the arts because the majority of people in NZ wants them to and the govt should be doing it without the need for a big self-congratulatory pat on the back. We elect and pay for them to bring in policies that we want, not for them to turn award ceremonies into a campaign trail.
Beth (Auckland)
Good on Neil for saying what needs to be said. I'm a real fan of Kiwi music, love that there is loads being played now and yes Helen has had a lot to do with that, but, it's not easy to make it big overseas and our NZ musicians need to have realistic expectations about that, not get their hopes up only to have them dashed later on. Sometimes a voice of caution, reason, is needed, no matter how unpopular it is!
Paul (Sydney)
I was at the farewell concert at the Sydney Opera House. What a perfect night it was. The narks who begrudge us those memories can take a running jump. By the way ask any Aussie who Howard Morrison, Ray Columbus and Paul Holmes are and I guarantee they won't have a clue. They all know Neil Finn though. They also know he's a kiwi but he also an adopted son and welcome here anytime. The narks who are uncomfortable with this should get a life.
Margot
Neil rocks, and has balls! Helen doesn't.
Pampooty (New York)
I simply bristle when people project psychological profiles on public figures for speaking their minds. The implication that we know anything about what Neil Finn thinks or what his motivations are other than what he specifically articulates is ridiculous and vainglorious. But far worse is the implication that people the world over don't value his voice and his music. Are you kidding me? I grew up in the US and his music has provided the soundtrack of my life. His US peers are the most esteemed people in the business and his fans are some of the most rabid I've encountered. Why would any serious musician care about the US charts these days anyway?
Katrina
This is Much Ado about Nothing isn't it? Neil Finn has a view - good on him. So do Howard Morrison and Ray Columbus - good on them too. Debate is a good thing. Helen Clark is a politician; of course she is going to be positive about NZ Music, good on her too. She has done a lot of good for Arts in NZ and deserves some praise as well. By the way I have to suffer listening to my National MP who I don't support at local events, that's no big deal either. Those who are against chopping down tall poppies like Neil should also apply their logic to the PM. Why criticise just for the sake of it? Personally I think Neil has over reacted in his reaction to others in the industry disagreeing with him. The Herald have blown this completely out of proportion, by quoting Neil out of context and acting like it's a vendetta or something. I think they like to slag off at the PM as well. Perhaps they would like to actually debate the issue - not sensationalise. The Herald has certainly changed - and not for the better.
Dar (UK)
Wow - hasn't this created a lot of discussion! Neil is fully entitled to his opinion. As I read the original comment, it was a personal opinion and not a sweeping statement of fact about the PM's actions. Does NZ believe that free speech is something to be restricted? If you don't care what Neil thinks, why get so enraged about it? I have a general loathing for politicians who normally define the word hypocritical, although don't know Helen Clark so can't really comment on the facts. It wouldn't be the first time that a politician has tried to claim credit by association. The best that can come of this is that the aspiring musicians in NZ recognise the dedication that Neil Finn has made to music over the years and follow his lead.
Roxanne (USA)
I respect Mr. Finn tremendously for stating his opinion. In the states, we have endured a continuous assault on our intelligence by a "photo-op" president who has made a career out of re-writing history. It is important to at least try to make others aware. Good for you, Neil.
Kiwi living in Oz
Finn is entitled to his opinions. Maybe next time though he'll talk to the person involved in his comments face to face. Really though I think that all this Neil Finn slagging is just making the whole thing, way too much of a big deal Don't ya think? Two wrongs don't make a right.
Murray ( Nashville, Tennessee)
Fellow Kiwis: Neil Finn is a great embassador for our country. When I went to Finn Brothers concert in Atlanta they really promote New Zealand through their music. He should have the right to speak out freely! Maybe he should run for Prime Minister.
G
Hey "Optimus Prime", Helen Clark is not the only supporter of the arts in New Zealand. She got the "big ups" at the awards, but hundreds of thousands of others were either not there or did not get the applause due them. The masses have supported the arts by buying the music or attending the concerts/gigs. They do this with the meagre funds of their pay packets left after Helen has taken her cut. Out of her cut Helen so generously donates to the arts and gets the accolades. So, No. Not everyone who supports the arts got applause.
LA Al
Reading the majority of the reactions about Neil Finns recent comments regarding Helen Clark's has reinforced two things; firstly I made the right decision to leave NZ and secondly there are still a lot backward inbred morons in NZ (or as I would like to call them, Labour party supporters). The PM has done for NZ music what cherry did for coke… nothing. I get sick hearing how Labour and Helen in particular stand up and take credit for anything and everything. During the fever pitch years of the Lord of the Rings trilogy Labour were there at every photo opportunity to take credit. Thankfully, Peter Jackson put Labour in their place in a newspaper interview. Fact is a majority of NZ artists, in most creative fields struggle with little or no help from the Minister of Arts. For the past 15 years I've travel and live between the US, Europe and Asia, Kiwis back home are deluded if they think the rest of the world still regard NZ as anything more than a country with lots of sheep. Though I will always be back in NZ to visit family and friends and enjoy the slow and quiet pace of life, the fact of the matter is, in order to compete with the world, you actually have to be out there to do so. Go out and explore the world, and you will see NZ is still seen as a quaint little place, not the world conquers that Labour would have you believe, however if you choose to remain blinded by Labour's own fantasy stories, then it enforces the fact that NZ does truly have a lot of sheep.
Beth from Australia
I have to say, good on you, Neil! Thank God someone is finally speaking their mind! He's a true musical genius and in my opinion he's cooler than ever for defending his opinion so articulately when some comments he made were taken out of context and blown out of proportion. Peace out!
Sam Pierson
Neil for PM! Masterpiece. Needed be said & I'm glad he's enjoying saying it. You are doing something right. Get bigger people!
Papa Donkey
Firstly I think this is typical of the NZ media to make a storm in a teacup over an individual's opinion. Just for the record, I totally support Mr Finn in his comments and I abhor any politician taking the music industry by the arm and smilingly parading themselves together while slyly collecting the credit they are not entitled to.Mr Finn is quite correct to have his say about his feelings regarding Helen Clark at an event deemed by some who are not in the music industry as 'hip' and be seen to take applause where she certainly deserves none. As for the dinos Howard Morrison and Ray Columbus I can only say lets see your track record in the community with regard to supporting the Arts. I suggest you are well advised to keep your comments to yourself as this does not concern either of you. Both of you two have enjoyed a musical career which I think lacks the depth and commitment of Mr Finn.I was not aware Paul Holmes had a musical bone in his body, but will accept a torrid response about the virtues of the current PM whilst not believing a single word of it. Where is the concept of free speech in New Zealand? Where is the backbone we all grew up on? C'mon!
Wgtn
Like all politicians, Helen Clark would appear at the opening of a garage door if there was the chance for a PR opportunity. Well done to Neil Finn for saying what he thinks. Nobody can fault him for what he's done for NZ music.
Finngirl (Campbelltown N.S.W.)
Gary, you comment only shows how ignorant you are, do some research mate and you will find Neil has done many things for many countries, I am sure Neil is going to loose a lot of sleep over your not being a fan. Love your work Neil, keep it up your true fans will always love you.
John
I applaud Neil Finn and his comments. Although I have never been much of a fan of Split Enz or Crowded House his international success cannot be denied. Crowded House at their peak were a huge band and their worldwide popularity was second only to mega acts like U2. How could someone so successful possibly have a chip on his shoulder. He just called as he saw it. Another shameless publicity stunt by Helen Clark to get her face in the media and take credit for something she has contributed so little to. Good on you Neil! You've just won a new fan.
Helen (Burbank)
I admit I haven't read the first article, and I wanted to refrain from commenting until I heard both sides of the story. Anyway, Neil, I agree with you 100 per cent. I believe it takes talent and hard work to make it in the music business, and even then, there is no guarantee. But you'll always get my support. I'm really looking forward to the new CD, but July is way too long of a wait. As Tim once wrote patience is "seldom in a woman, never in a man". It was great seeing you in Pomona and Coachella and meeting you all later on. Truly awesome.
Carol
I really enjoyed - and wholeheartenly agreed with Neil Finn's comments in his "foward thinking" column. Finally, we have someone who's comments are not governed by political correctness....and is unafraid to stand up and say what most of us are thinking anyway! I'm very weary of the time some fellow New Zealanders take in competing/ criticising Australia...and of the PM smugly standing there taking credit and sharing the glory for things that she has played no worthy part in. Keep up the views Neil! Have you thought of writing in your spare time?!
Successful singer
Go you good thing. As a NZ musician, I salute you for speaking out. We slave our butts off, make huge sacrifices to try and communicate and present what we believe in. Good or bad publicity, what does it matter, it's all publicity for NZ music which can't be a bad thing. Helen's been to many of my concerts and although it's great she gets out and supports the arts, at the end of the day, I'm the one that practised for hours on end to be part of a high quality presentation of music. Be unpopular, what does it matter - just remember you have a long line of supporters within the arts in NZ
S Bloomfield
Political posturing and artistic endeavours share little in common. Award ceremonies are often back-slapping self serving drunken nights out bowing to biased ratings and regurgitated talent - great fun but vomitous if you get my trajectory.Finn's observations are fair, Helen's presence is acceptable with both sides viewpoints sharing irritability and irrelevance. You are probably wondering what my point is and have by now guessed there is none to any of this. Stand down!
Joshua (Auckland)
I entirely agree with Neil Finn's comments. People have not given him a fair go recently - he is entitled to his opinion. While I really like the idea of NZ Music month, I too have become uncomfortable with the politicisation of it. It would be a good idea if the Labour Party left the stage to the Musicians during Music month. I can understand that musicians like Neil Finn have something useful to say about NZ music, but seriously I don't care what Helen Clark has to say!
Mike Pilcher
I would much rather see Neil Finn a Statesman than Helen Clark, I'm a music fan and PRO NZ music, leave Neil alone! He might make a better Prime Minister than "Auntie" Helen Clark anyday.
Steve (Brisbane)
Well done Neil. An unemotive and completely truthful way of putting his story forward. Being an expat Kiwi myself, it is quite easy to see from the outside how we get on the defensive too easily. There's no big deal about it because it happens everywhere. In saying that, I expect New Zealand to be more worldy and insightful as a nation, perhaps some nationalistic pride or something.
Rory
Wow - I never thought I'd see the day when I admired one of the Finn's (apart from my son who's also called Finn, but named after Huckleberry). I thought they were consigned to flacid J2 channel purgatory. Good on you Neil. The P.Ms a square and try hard. She's trying to take a leaf out of Blair's "Cool Brittania" shortlived and transparent to ride on the backs of theirs. Damon Alban had the style to tell him where to get off. Our desperate need to believe in local product (I dread NZ music week) makes anyone who criticises it akin to a baby torturer. Much if not most of what we get so carried away about at Silver Scroll time is mediocre. We're still too young as a culture to be producing anything like the Irish or Aussies (their culture's almost half as old again as ours. We've got nothing to compare with Nick Cave (sorry Neil). But we shouldn't stop trying.
Louise (UK)
I won't comment on the politics of a country where I dont live at the moment... but in reference to Neil's comment on NZ music on a global scale, depressingly he does have a point. Its not easy to crack overseas markets and there are very few kiwis who've managed it over in Europe at least (can't comment on the US), Neil's in a minority there regrettably. Every kiwi I speak to tells me that the kiwi music is "going off", but we just dont hear anything about it over here. It would be great if Fat Freddy's, black seeds, Bic or any of the others nailed the charts and made it into the mainstream but so far no-go... their gigs are all sell outs, but having been to a few its nearly all Oz/NZ clientele on their OEs..
Sue
Oh for goodness sake! Who cares? I do wish this country's media would discourage this continual Kiwi introspection. So what? Politicians are the same the world over, any chance for a good photo shot etc. Neil Finn is just like so many 'pop' musicians somewhat precious in their comfort zones. And yes a catholic lad born and bred in the comfort of the Waikato farmlands can be expected to have a conservative mode of thought. Sobeit. Meanwhile back in Afghanistan, Iraq etc folk really do suffer. Get things into perspective the lot of you. Pathetic!
Brett Palmer
I certainly back your comments 100 per cent,and these people should realise you are more than Qualified to speak your mind (what ever it is at all) about the music industry. Holy Hell,what you have achieved in the music world is massive by anyones standards,and will never be forgotten. The Government couldn't give a toss about the music industry or you when you were "cutting your teeth" with Splitenz all those years ago. I remember Muldoon saying "culture they ain't " about Split enz for a start.. Also you have been criticized by legends in their own mind people who hardly anyone has heard of.
Millie
I'm not exactly sure why Finn imagines his views are 'unpopular'. [And what's the subtext there? Gifted seer and monied artisan stands heroically against the noise of the crowd to deliver his audacious truth - yeah, finger on the pulse with that one, really]. I hope Finn reads through the replies here and then has a look at the tone of comments on this newspaper and NZ newspaper blogs generally. More like right in there with the mob and throwing them a bone - hey, nothing wrong with that but not actually really all that interesting either
Gisborne
All I can say is: Respect. Mr Finn saw something he was not keen on and voiced his opinion in a clear and concise manner. What more could you ask from a public figure?
Trish (Queensland)
Fellow Kiwis. grow up. Neil Finn should be praised for making his feelings known and speaking out, whether you agree with him or not. He is a highly respected and talented person with a point to make - why do we always backlash those who make their feelings known, and why should anyone feel they have to be loyal to the government of the day just because they are in 'power'. Let Neil speak out if he wants - and respect him for it.
Jake VanZ
Coming from the UK where there is little to no support for musicians in the form of grants or funding, at least not the kinds of bands I played in (or for that matter Neil Finn). It was with amazement that I learned about NZ on Air and the money available for young and up and coming musicians. New Zealand should be proud that the government is willing to fund arts at this level and, although I agree with many of Mr Finn's points, it should be celebrated that politicians are even interested in pinning their names to the music cause. There is usually a deafening silence in that area - except where Blair and Britpop made a rather ugly and self congratulatory combination in 1997. Yes, Helen shouldn't claim all NZ music's victories as hers but then don't criticise a government for supporting and engaging with the music community. To people's points on here: Yes, the talented are likely to succeed, however, even the talented are aided by receiving a cheque to help with those first tentative steps into the business.
Alex
Good on Neil for saying what he thinks. This is a guy who has made a huge success of himself despite the government and not having or
relying on a hand out. A lesson for all...
Dave
Good on ya Neil. I too am sick of seeing Clark and her cronies turn up to events talking up how good they are.
Stuart
What a pity that there is so little debate about the positives of New Zealand music and what could be achieved to enhance and represent this in the world market. It seems absurd to have such a fuss over the fact Mr Finn has an opinion and Helen Clark is a politician. When was the last time you told someone about your favourite kiwi band?
Ian
It is relatively simple to understand how a Kiwi catholic boy from Te Awamutu might have developed such a misunderstanding of the Prime Minister and her government. Such a shame really, when one considers what a struggling organisation the NZ music industry was before pre-2000. So what if they don't like a majority of Kiwi music overseas, that's their loss as NZ has produced some great music. Also interesting how Crowded House gave their final concert at the Sydney Opera House, is that the way a Kiwi musician shows his loyalty to Kiwiland ?
Poor boy Charlie
Good on ya mate.
Mary
Good for Neil. At least he's one Kiwi who's got the guts to stand up for what he believes in and at the same time not afraid to speak out publicly against the PM. I'm 100 per cent behind Neil in this respect. If there were more people of Neil Finn's calibre, character and integrity, then perhaps our country wouldn't be in the pitiful state of moral decay it's in now!
David
Not only can Mr Finn string together some very nice words and music his article shows that he is also an articulate and intelligent man. Something that can not be said for some of the Your Views correspondents. And he makes a valid point that applies to both musicians and for that matter all New Zealanders. Success is not about Government initiatives or Government support or handouts it is about hard work and perseverance. If is about understanding that to succeed first you must fail. It is also about understanding that many will people will take the credit when you succeed (aka Ms Clark & Co) but will be quick to disown you when you fail. It is unfortunate that a Government must take credit for others success purely to prop up failing popularity in the polls and failed economic policy that is impacting most on their own supporters. It is a shame that more people are not as humble and grounded as Mr Finn. Egos can be a dangerous thing particularly in the hands of a politician.
Steve (Auckland)
Neil Finn stood up, worked hard and made an international success of himself. To me the debate has less to do with politics and more to do with why we persist in this country in decapitating those who put their heads above the parapet, make a success of themselves and dare to have a view. Until we grow up a bit and learn to respect our achievers we will continue to be a second rate (or worse, third rate) nation. Give the guy a break.
Optimus Prime
I think that the media has blown this out and turned us into something ugly. Some of us back and some of us don't..the non backers secretly want her to lose the next election. And are putting there 0.05c views into it. Might I say can National do better? She Helen showed up because she is there to support the arts. Wouldn't you receive an applause if you put in funds to back up NZ arts? Of course you would. Neil was silly to say wht he said in public but in the end we are the suckers for feeding this issue with pos and negs. Let it go there are more important issues to focus on,
Catherine
The biggest societal problem as I see it, is people living in fear - living in fear to be who they really are, say what they really think....And this is something that the current government perpetuates. If you agree with them, you are treated as a tolerant person, worthy of being listened to, worthy of being given respect. But if you disagree with whatever it is they espouse, you risk being treated with vitriol. The majority of people prefer respect over vitriol, and so you breed a people who learn to edit themselves in the public arena, in order to keep themselves emotionally safe. The whole rhetoric about diversity is a have - intellectual diversity is not encouraged at all in New Zealand (at least not by the current government). It's a shame. Thanks for being unafraid, Neil.
Slaine
I think Neil cannot say whether his band is an Australian band or Kiwi band, We all know that hes Kiwi. But would Australians still flock to his concerts, would they still buy their music after claiming the world- renown band is not in fact an Aussie band but a Kiwi one. All is well in his bank account so why change?
Alex (Japan)
Moving on. I'd prefer that all that money went to music schools and recording studios. In every town in Japan you see kids banging on drums and rocking guitars...and its just for the pleasure of it..no subsidies! Give the kids instruments and teaching and let them find their own way. Money don't make art! NZ on Air is "patronage", which leads to "patronising" which is derivative because it fits the tick box for funding. Does that sum up a lot of local music? I think that was the main point. Wd need to change the carrots and sticks in NZ.Revolution! Incentives not benefits! Learning not job titles and jargon. Liberty not nationalism. Tomorrow, rather than sticking the knife into the National party of 10 years back.Wouldn't it be cool if all sitting MPs got sacked and we started fresh? I'd vote for that!
Mike
I agree with Mr Finn to a degree. Perhaps the real issue is that a Prime Minister shouldn't also be the Minister for the arts.
John
The bottom line is that Helen Clark thrives on public exposure. She attends rugby games and we all know that she would rather be "at home reading a book". Hypocritical in the extreme.She no more enjoys kiwi music than a game of rugby but it's all good PR.Time she went.
Finatic
How refreshing! Neil Finn is showing he has guts by not backing down. Give the man a round of applause! What about what the 'has beens' and 'never should have beens' think – who cares! This is here and now, not back in 'their' day. 'Sir' Howard... I mean come on! Mr Finn is way more deserving of a knighthood.
Wellington
Helen Clark reminds me of Rob Muldoon with every withering and totally unnecessary comment she utters. Despite not really enjoying much of his music Neil Finn is an absolute legend and deserves some respect.
Lilli A. (Taupo)
Neil Finn's second tirade at the PM is quite amusing. He claims he enjoys the feeling of being unpopular, boy oh boy. Be honest with yourself Mr. Finn, I'd say, it must have hurt your ego reading the previous posters' comments, for which the majority thought your first tirade were unfair and uncalled for. Because if it hasn't, why did you bother responding to the bits and pieces of comments and having another dig? Or are you that desperate to be on the front-page news?
Bruce Morley
Here's the problem: Neil Finn is right for the present and Ray Columbus is right about how it used to be. I know, because I'm old enough to have seen it all, and because I too was deeply involved in the Music Quota debate in the 80s. Everything Ray says about that is correct, except for one thing - he wasn't the only person doing it, risking everything from "oh here he comes again..." to outright hostility. Many of us less famous people did it too, and some of us paid quite a price. Okay, I've said that, now let's move on. Here's the one thing that both have in common: everyone's so busy arguing about who/how/what system/what money/what radio format etc that you've forgotten that the music has to sell itself to the people's ears. I said back then "don't call it kiwi music, just call it music, get it broadcast, and see what the people's ears say" - to no avail. Now, having solved the problem of getting it broadcast, we're still forgetting that people have to like the music for it to sell. It's now Neil's turn to be absolutely right: we may or may not be doing everything right, but the bottom line is that the music we are exporting is not capturing the world's ears.
The power and the passion
I'm enjoying this debate. Much more entertaining than most of the ones about All Black groin injuries. The irony here is, both sides are taking a beating for displaying the same thing - passion. Which is odd. I agree with Neil over the fact that as a nation we're too focused on Australia, and 'beating' them, whereas our own profile worldwide is independent of our neighbour, and is actually pretty strong and positive. But then, if you've ever raised the subject of America with a Canadian, you'll realise we're not alone in our annoyance at our neighbour's large shadow. In weather terms, they do say that east of Australia is one of the world's best places for forming depressions. Ha. Anyway, it's quite utopian that our fierce arguments should be about music - long may it last. I'm a personal fan of both Neil and Helen. And The Datsuns, Bic Runga, King Kapisi and Pheonix Foundation. I'll be more worried when my country starts being quiet and agreeable. Bring the noise! Cheers.
Eva Bradley (Havelock North)
Fantastic. not only do we have a truly gifted musician to be proud of, but someone who engages their brain to boot. New Zealand should now be doubly proud of Neil Finn for showing he can belt out far more than just a good tune.
David
Some good comments from Neil. Helen is shameless in her self-promotion. And Sir Howie? The guy is a third-rate cabaret performer belting out schmaltz in Rotovegas. Why he thinks his opinion is valid is beyond me. The sooner these folk have their self-validating grasp prised off NZ music, the better.
Grant (muso from Auckland)
I've followed this debate closely and have to say that I completely side with Neil Finn on this issue. His integrity has never been in question as far as I'm concerned, which is in stark contrast to Helen Clark signing her name to a painting that she didn't paint. Howard Morrison - you are certainly in no position to bad mouth real musicians. Neil Finn - you're not unpopular amongst New Zealanders that don't have a hidden agenda. If I was trying to save a dying political career or a never-quite-got-there musical career I may have decided to "weigh-in" against what you were saying, to gain exposure. Fortunately that's not the case and I still consider you to be a great musician and New Zealander.
Goldenchild
Good on you Neil. I think you are so very right in what you have said. Helen Clark is so very good at taking the credit for things that in many cases have had nothing or very little to do with her. Her ability to be able to jump on the bandwagon of things of success is unsurpassed. On the flipside she seems to be as good at distancing herself or jumping from the sinking ship of things that she has neglected or had more of a direct involvement in. I think that Helen Clark would like many of us to believe that: If something good is happening in NZ, it is because of Helen Clark, if there is something bad happening in NZ, it is because of the National party of almost 10 years ago!
Chris Murphy
What do you do when a national icon like Neil Finn speaks his mind and says something negative about the Labour government and the local music scene? Well, if you are a Helen Clark supporter you obviously try and discredit him, saying he is a musical 'has-been' and not even a real New Zealander. What a disgrace! I can't believe the level of personal abuse being hurled at the guy in Your Views. How can a guy who has created so many great songs and achieved so much be treated like this? Because he is famous and he spoke out of turn? I think 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' is now an official epidemic in New Zealand. If you disagree with the guy then fair play, but there is no need for the personal attacks! Neil Finn is a musical genius and a living legend, so he deserves better from the New Zealand public.
John
I keep a close eye on what's happening - at least I think I do. Can someone reproduce a quote or a comment by the Prime Minister claiming all or even some of the credit for the success of NZ music and/or musicians oveseas.
Nick Butcher
I really think Neil's comment are fantastic. Why should bureaucrats take credit for our Kiwi music. As a journalist and musician...I loved Neil's honesty...and it's that which also comes out in his music which has kept him on top. And I also commend you for building a recording studio and investing in this country's future. I too have never understood why Kiwis have this small-minded approach to who owns Crowded House, how ridiculous, it's an attitude which has been programmed by idiots who probably don't even own a single CD! Or at the very least only know the singles and haven't fallen in love with the albums intricate themes. Go Neil, keep being honest man! Looking forward to the new album!
Kelly
"Anyway, they don't spend any time worrying about us." Thank God someone has finally mentioned this! Being married to a Kiwi and copping it from the relly's you think to yourself have all Kiwis got a chip, what is the go? Get over it. :There are many brilliant musicians in this country and when they do reach a wider audience it will be because they have worked long and hard and have the talent. I wish them all well."" Going to do anything like Band of Strangers when the Crowdies tour and get some hopeful locals back