KEY POINTS:
Here are earlier Your Views:
Simon (Christchurch)
There's something liberating about being unpopular. What a contrast to a PM who will do and say anything to stay in power. Neil Finn's article shows his integrity. Awesome.
Don (Auckland)
Not keen on your music Neil, but your guts is in true NZ style, and your comments on Howard, spot on.
Graham Hutton
Well said Neil. About time NZ grew up and brushed the chips off their collective shoulders. Helen Clarke and her Ilk is one reason why ex-pats like myself will most likely never return to NZ , so good on you for putting up with the crap.
Hamish
Thanks so much, Neil, for voicing your opinion against Helen Clark and her Labour cronies. Throwing endless amounts of dollars at the music industry doesn't necessarily mean more big-hit bands like Crowded House. Ability and hard work, on the other hand, will get results - something the Labour government is sadly lacking in.
Wil
I agree wholeheartedly with Neil's comments. And he is right that NZers spend way too much time worrying about Australia when Australia spends no time at all worrying about NZ. I have travelled all over the world and basically no NZ music is played overseas except for Crowded House and Split Enz. That is the truth.
Kiwi livin in oz
Neil Finn, you are a legend.... that was a great rebuttle. As a kiwi living in Australia, I would have to say you are absolutely correct on your take that Aussies just don't care. The music is either good or bad, most people listen to music because they like it not because of where the bands are from. To Howard Morrison, I thought you had better manners than to attack a fellow musician; perhaps you are missing the limelight! Good on you Neil, keep doing what you do best. Rock on Kiwis.
G (Auckland)
Spin and branding are things I am becoming increasingly wary of, whilst I think Labour does well to support such things, it should not be with the strings attached. The "Labour loves NZ music" campaign is very reminiscent of the mid nineties UK Labour 'Cool Britannia' movement that gave rise to the term Britpop. I think many will remember how disillusioned people became when they realized that the party was mainly just riding the publicity, and hadn't the intention to really be 'down with the peoples', albeit at the time the least regressive of parties (if I remember correctly). I think Neil Finn is quite rightly highlighting these behaviors of ego and nationalism, if we brand ourselves as LabourKiwiPop or some derivative then we suffer the same fate as UKLabourBritPop. The genuine nature of much of this music will be less visible than the brand 'NZ' value and the entertainment value, which unfortunately is the way those in the advertising and media industries would have it.
Toddles (Sydney )
I totally agree with Neil. Shame on those people accusing Neil of perhaps more loyalty to Australia and/or even telling him he should stay in Australia...you call yourselves New Zealanders? Is that the New Zealand way?. Neil Finn has only made us all proud with what he has accomplished. I have lived in Australia for nearly two years and he is revered in the music industry here and everyone knows he is a kiwi. It's embarrassing having popular New Zealand icons such as Howard Morrison stating untruths about Neil whilst Tourism NZ are paying marketers to gallivant around Sydney dressed as sheep to drum up business.
Simon (music enthusiast)
I agree with Neil. We do have a tendency to be a tad myopic in the way we perceive ourselves on the global stage. I thought Ray Columbus and Howard Morrison took cheap shots unnecessarily, but I guess when you have profile and journalists ask for comment, it's easy to do. Tall poppies should be celebrated. We just don't get that yet do we?
Japan
Some people on here are idiots. Who cares if he insults the PM ? She is just out to get attention and grab the limelight (like all PMs or MPs). I say good on Neil Finn. He is one our best ever singer/song writers. Anyway its not really an issue people should be more worried about sorting out gangs, crime etc rather than worry about a few comments on the PM.
Curious Bystander (Auckland)
I don't know a lot about making music and the processes one has to go through in order to get their stuff out there in NZ or about politics much either but this particular article and ensuing criticism for and against Neil Finn's comments have been interesting to read. I was wondering to myself why this topic was such a stickler with some people. Is it because we realise as a country our own insignificance on the world stage so when a "fellow kiwi", albeit one with a larger public profile than the average Joe, confirms it we get all distressed about it? Let's face it. We don't have a lot of kiwi music artists that make a huge impact on the world stage, do we? Should we care one iota though? No! Kiwi music is supposedly filtering through more NZ homes now than ever before. That's a great achievement! Why get so irate at one person's comments? Well-known personality or not its still just one person's opinion and I'm sure Neil Finn has a favourite kiwi band just like most of us. I like the L&P catch-phrase- World Famous in NZ. Who cares what the world thinks or doesn't think about NZ music? Let's just enjoy our own successes (big or small) whatever they may be.
Chris (Golden, Colorado, USA.)
Neil's comments are honest, fresh and without a hint of cultural cringe. Though I don't agree with all of his comments (Helen Clark seems to me to have made genuine efforts to support New Zealand music) - but Neil is spot on regarding Australia - it is time we stopped worrying about what they think of us - and be more self reliant and confident. We plan to return to New Zealand and hopefully it will be to more meaningful debates and a (more) positive attitude.
Lee (Pommy, Auckland, a Finn fan)
Speaking as an-ex-musician it is worthwhile reflecting that the Finns sold all over the world not because they were Kiwis, but because they had and still do have what it takes to succeed. Did Split Enz and Crowded House succeed because of Government support, or was it because they played the international circuit and gave the best years of their lives to their chosen craft? You only have to read Mr Finn's words still showing the street-smarts and command of English which made him an international star and gave him his deserved fame and fortune. Funny that, because many of his detractors are practically anonymous - just about everywhere outside of NZ, and are not particularly relevant on a cultural level even in their own country. Self-appointed 'big-fish' in a little pool, I reckon, jumping to the defence of their political masters. How sad to see! As for politicians they should be providing the schools and resources so kids can learn, and opportunities and jobs so people can buy into entertainment, rather than stealing the thunder of those who artists have succeeded with their own sweat and tears.
Chelsea (Sydney)
Neil! Wow! Can you perhaps refrain from issuing kiwis patronising comments? The Real Groove article was fine..as you say comments taken by the mainstream media were hung out in thin air...but to retort to this? I'm a NZer living in Sydney, and pretty much agree with your comments about Aus v NZ, but to finish off with "And anyway, they don't spend any time worrying about us" just smacks of being so patronising..As in, poor little Nzers don't know any better about the big wide world". Stick to your wonderful music mate and leave the politicking and patronising out of it.
Mrs Mac (Meadowbank)
Good on you Neil. NZ needs your spontaneity. The media is so good at picking pieces out and not looking at it in its context.
We are cousins to Australia and should share each others success. Yes Don Brash acted like a gentleman and Helen is an absolute glory seeker. Pride comes before a fall.
Mark
Hear. hear Neil,.keep up the good work ...
Denny Morts
On ya Neil. Refreshing to hear a voice of reason in this country.
Ian
Auckland Helen Clarks contribution to music equals her contribution to art, signing other peoples work. Wake up smell the coffee, Helen Clark attended the music awards waved her flag and the foolish and naive blindly bowed and cheered. Remember the old line, you can fool some of the people some of the time. Has she fooled you?? Good on you Neil you have seen through the credit grabbing facade of our Prime Minister.
Grace (Parnell)
I agree with Neil Finn, we should worry less about Australia. His comments about the Music Awards are valid, it was not a Labour Party conference. He has done great things for NZ music for several decades and should be congratulated.
Dean
Nz music is nowhere on the world stage good on you boy Typical of Helen Clark to try and take credit. Neil Finn has done more for NZ music on the world stage than most of the rest put together . Thanks for the memories, the same I wont say about Helen when she's gone.
Matt
Word in Wellington is that, in reaction to Neil's comments, Labour is planning to introduce anti-Finn legislation.
Keith
Well said Mr Finn, but. just as you have indicated that we should ignore the Australian claims to Kiwi talent, most of us ignore political party claims to the music produced by NZ based musicians. I've never seen Helen with a guitar or ex MP Don for that matter. Let them shovel the money to our artists if they want to but you don't need to get political unless of course they were the wrong colored balloons for your liking. I would rather from your experience with the music industry have some guidance on were to channel these funds for everyone's benefit, the artist and ultimately the ears of us who listen and enjoy.
Gerard O'Brien
A big thumbs up to Neil.
Colin Buckley (Auckland)
Good on you Neil. Great response. It's nice to see that we are not a country of sheep after all.
Random (Auckland)
Dear Mr Finn, if you ran for prime minister, nah for get that drama path, I mean; If you ran for President of New Zealand, you would have my vote, The real spirit of true kiwis always gets through in the end. We just have to remove the english "influence" from our pasts to move on. grin. Kia Kaha.
Rewi Kemp
What an egotistical and selfish git! Why be offensive to the only Prime Minister to take a Ministerial and personal genuine interest in the Arts? Clark's interest and assistance has been a godsend to much of our country's struggling art and culture. Why poison this?
Mark
Well said Neil!
Jonathan
Good on ya. Neil! Democracy and free speech may be a withered thing in this country, under a dictatorship that would have us clinging to Helen's breast. But here's to everyone that speaks up and makes it through the ignorant, personal attacks that follow.
Matt
Hard out Neil. NZ Music month...it reeks of labour, welfare, generation Y, everyones a winner, spoon fed etc etc likes James Reid said it's time to "stand up and be counted".
Dan
Neil Finn is a genius. I'd trust anything he says over a politician, or your average redneck "Your Views" contributor any day
Phil (Auckland)
Totally agree with Neil's comments. Bottom line - to the politicians, keep music and politics separate, thank you very much. And to those kiwis who have a chip on their shoulder about Australia, stop worrying about what Australia thinks of NZ. Get over it! I lived in Australia for 3 years and it's true - they are too busy getting on with making their own country successful to worry what kiwis think of them.
Bogo Mipps
Great stuff. Never was a fan. Now I am!
Mel
Geez, Neil Finn reckons it must have been a slow news week when his comments were reported the first time, so what do we call this second bite at the cherry? Kicking a dead horse, I'd say. While I'm sure it's fun for Neil to have someone pay attention to him again, I'm not sure what his point is now. In his own words, Helen Clark's speech at the Music Awards was received by a grateful crowd - so what exactly is his problem? That the organisers chose red balloons? That Helen didn't kick around at the awards all night, unlike Don Brash? Maybe that's because she's the Prime Minister, and has a heavier workload and different priorities. I'm sure if you asked most musicians, they'd find more value in all the hours Helen Clark has put in on behalf of the arts over the last decade than in a couple of hours of Don Brash's company at an awards show.
Cal
Go Neil! More people with a healthy attitude like Neil would do NZ wonders. Unlike Sir Howard and Ray 'Shes a Mod' Columbus, Neil actually enjoys contemporary relevance to music and culture. I'm sure a few 80 year olds may wish to split hairs with me here regarding Howard, but even those of Ray's generation are relatively unanimous in their confusion as to why he thinks one hit 40 years ago (or is it 50?) makes his opinion matter. Musicians like Neil Finn and Crowded House have helped put modern NZ and Oz music on the map- Ray contributes via embarrassing telethonesque duets with other has-beens. Neil is more than entitled to his view and highly qualified to have it. NZ music has benefited somewhat from Labour's initiatives, but they have also lead in the most part to dozens of crap, US-style hip hop and R&B acts 'making it big' on the local stage with the help of too much money from NZ On Air. Without this help we would not be blessed with insights into how Scribe rolls or that South Auckland really is like South Central (it isn't). How many dudes you know roll like Neil?
Kerry
Good on you Neil. I listen to music if it's good to listen to, not necessarily because it's local or politically correct. I know of loads of Kiwi musicians who are excellent musicians that have gained success here and overseas because of their talent not because of any government influence. Cheers to the 'unpopulars.'
Go Neil Finn (Auckland)
Go Neil! Isn't this what free speech and intelligent discussions are what it's all about? If we don't have people like Neil to tell the truth, we'd be completely out of free speech. Just look at the whole Anti-Smacking Bill that Labour tried to ram against over 80 per cent of the country - and still succeeded, how depraved a government.
Katesfb
As usual ignorance pervades most of the readers responses to the original Neil Finn article. The simple reality is that he is absolutely correct in what he says and whats more he should be allowed to say it without being dumped on by a large number of ignorant fools. His response to the criticism also shows up the so-called esteemed detractors for what they are - overly self absorbed ego maniacs who think what they say actually counts for something.
James (Wellington)
Good on you, Neil. The way Don Brash was treated at those music awards, not least by Mr. Oliver Driver, was disgusting. The fact that he had the decency to stay till the end while the Prime Minister took the spotlight and left speaks volumes about the nature of the man.
WSF (Gulf Harbour)
Well written and refreshing point of view from Neil Finn. Like any product, music is in the ear of the listener. Either you like it or you don't - track by track. For too long the politically correct music "industry" in New Zealand has been telling us what wonderful musicians we have - even if a lot of their music is rubbish. The international track record (pardon the pun) of Crowded House and Neil Finn speaks for itself and more than stacks up against that of the critics.
Alastair Lee
Excellent, agree with Neil a lot. NZ Music isnt doing well overseas at all. Not to say, that it doesnt have a much higher profile in NZ, but it is hardly a drop in the ocean overseas. Problem does relate somewhat to the standard being produced. Lazy dub/reggae rubbish is hardly going to appeal to a vast majority of overseas audiences. More high quality material is required if we are going to push out.
Vie
Let it rest now. More important things to report on and worry about than Neil Finn's opinion which is clearly coloured by his own politics. In terms of the music, he's entitled to voice his thoughts, and given his international success and experience, he knows what he's talking about. He makes valid comments about the real impact many musicians make on the national and international scene. People need to be quiet for a moment and listen to him on that. But to be fair to the PM, she is simply doing her part as a Minister to support and cheer on musos and their achievements, however small an impact they might actually make on the international stage. And Neil Finn's only showing his political colours just like the PM.
Ted Filter
I've never liked (or disliked) Neil Finn and his music, so I am not writing this as a Finn-Fan. However, I have more respect for him now than I have ever had. Without Finn's comments, those who were not there would not have heard about the red balloons, and the fact that Clark insisted on speaking. Finn's opinions aside, it's clear that this event was used, with the blessing of NZ musicians, to promote the Labour party. As a musician and taxpayer, I'm disdainful of Clark's trumpeting and the syrupy obsequiousness of the beneficiary NZ musicians who support her. The event did nothing for the credibility of either. Thanks Tim, for having the courage to tell it as it was
Jason (Auckland)
That was so well written and so funny I will have a smile on my face all day - I just love the final line about 'enjoying unpopular' being liberating, great words, great comments - especially about Aussie not worrying about what we think (they actually have a life...). Very cool and hopefully suggesting that the fantastic and extra special Neil Finn lyrics that have become an indelible mark on our nation and history (I can still recite every word to every song on True Colours) will be flowing through the new album and it will be a return to form. Go Neil! Go music! Go home politicians!!
G (Auckland)
I was also at the 2005 Music Awards & understand Neil Finn's version of the event. As a politically active student at this time I can vouch for the politically apathetic nature of many NZ youth. So I was astounded by the rapturous applause that Clark received when she was introduced to this young audience. The contrast in popularity was highlighted when the MC, to the crowd's applause, parodied National's campaign by declaring Clark "the winner" and Brash "the loser". By funding NZ music Clark has made a strategic manoeuvre. She is consolidating support amongst a very influential group of youth. While directly influencing youth culture, this group is also a large feeder pool into many influential roles within NZ media. Kiwis will not take the time to mull over the moral & ethical implications of this tactic so it has little chance of backfiring. However my prediction is that Labour will be careful to not overplay its hand in the NZ music industry and will moderate its direct involvement. The best way for Labour to maintain a strong influence is via multiple channels of funding & 'proxy' Labour supporters – seemingly non-political entertainers who will defend Labours values.
Free Radical (Auckland)
Good on you Neil for speaking up and staying strong under fire. You make a lot of sense, some people just don't want to hear it. I've heard the Hon Helen talking at several 'Art' events and the message does read 'without my help this wouldn't be happening'. Like it or not you are a NZ Icon and part of that is that you've always been a bit radical and prepared to push peoples comfort zones - don't stop that, it's part of what we love about you.
Don't Believe The Hype (Kingsland)
Reeeeefreshing.....onya Neil. I'm a huge fan of our New Zealand music, whatever genre. If our music doesn't make a worldwide impact, lets not worry about it . Lets enjoy our unique style and flavour and if Australia want to claim a few of our artists, its all good. We should be flattered. Let's not get too precious. Enjoy the music. Support our local artists.
Geoff
Right on Neil ... you have shown yourself to be an intelligent loyal Kiwi who can see past the PR spin put out by H1 (Helen Clark) and H2 (Heather Simpson) that has mesmerized the country for too many years!!
UK Kiwi
Good on ya Mr Finn. I thought the big noting at the music awards was really bad taste also. I enjoy your music and you are absolutely entitled to have your opinion. Dont listen to small minds.
Fred (The shore)
Good on ya Neil.
Johnny
I say good on Mr. Finn for speaking his mind. Let's see. If I remember correctly, it was the Dixie Chicks that spoke out against George W. Bush's pre-emptive strike against Iraq. A vast majority of people were hell bent on making the Dixie Chicks pay dearly for their "unpatriotic" songs and comments against the "commander-and-chief" (savior of the world). Now that many of the stupid Americans have finally wisened up...The Dixie Chicks were given an apology. Mr. Finn, soon or later, you'll get your apologies. Hang in there. .
Arron
Good on you Neil. I am sick of seeing the PM's ugly cheshire cat grin whenever someone is being awarded for achieving something in NZ. Instead of basking in the glory of the achievements of a select few who may or may not have benefited from her handouts, she should be publicly shamed for ripping off talented NZers and driving their talents overseas. Her handouts are targeted towards her core voters and to trendy industries like music. Did she ever consider that all industries and the general working population may benefit from not being penalised so much for their efforts? She is a no talent career politician that is a traitor to the ideals that most working NZers hold dear. Finn achieves on his own through his talent and creativity. No contest really.
Rock-n-Roll Rebel
Full kudos to Neil for sticking to his guns! Who cares what those old fuddy-duddy has-beens that sold out to the Establishment think anyway? How can a true artist possibly support a fake like Helen Clark (paintergate). ?! Stay real and bring on the new Crowded House album! Rock On Dude!
Auckland
I totally agree with Neil and think politicians suck when it comes to attention seeking photo opportunities. If they had a quarter of the talent and worked half as hard as our muso's it would be OK but they haven't.
MTB
Go Neil. t's about time somebody with some mana put their hand up and told it like it is. I agree that the music industry should not be aligned politically. We have some serious talent in NZ, but political interference is going to do nothing to help establish these bands on the world stage. I applaud your honesty and integrity.
Scott Webb
Good on ya, Neil. I don't care one way or another about what you said, but for God's sake, people should be able to speak their minds without a thousand screeching harpies descending on them. Give it three days, and they'll start screeching at somebody else.
Vanessa Crabb
What is wrong with Neil Finn having his opinion. I wholeheartedly agree with what he is saying and he is entitled (as we all are) to his view. We may not like what people say but too bad. New Zealand is becoming far too PC and everything people say is taken the wrong way instead of as a view or opinion.Go Neil.
Finn supporter
Hurray for Neil Finn's upfront and honest remarks. For goodness sake, what's all the fuss about? Nobody should be above criticism and after reading about what happened at the 2005 Music Awards, he is completely justified in saying what he did. I would have been angry that Helen Clark insisted on addressing the Labour Conference - sorry, Music Awards - even though she wasn't invited to - and then leaving as soon as her applause finished. The red balloons would have been the last straw.
BC
For Neil: 40 - against" 10. Says it all. Go Neil.
Chris
I doubt Neil will get down to reading all of these comments, but on the off chance he does... I feel that he has done so much more for NZ music than anyone ever before. He is our one true kiwi music legend. I cant believe some people could be so harsh and critical - jealousy I think. Thanks for all you have done for us over the years Neil.
Ben
I think Neil Finn makes sense. He is entitled to his opinion and what he experienced at the Music Awards does sound like something that would make many people feel uneasy. Neil Finn is not owned by New Zealand or the New Zealand government. As for the New Zealand/Australian rivalry - I am sure Australians do not worry nearly as much about New Zealand as many New Zealanders do about Australia. The insecurity is not a good look for us. We need to work on ceasing the bagging of Australia just like many New Zealanders need to stop bagging Auckland and Aucklanders. It's small-minded. Carry on expressing your views, Neil
NaOH
Fair enough.
Sarah (Wellington)
I've always adored Neil Finn and seen him as a kiwi hero and now I love him ever more. My husband and I have always found it fantastically amusing that Helen Clark gets too involved in music/arts ventures in NZ. She turned up on NZ Idol last year for goodness sake which gave us a great laugh. Helen would attend and take credit for a kindergarten recorder concert if it meant looking good in the press. I couldn't agree with Neil Finn more on this and thank god someone with actual talent has had the stones to say something about it. Just watch out Neil, she's liable to 'borrow' one of your new songs, put her name to it and say she recorded it.
Wombat (Qld)
Right on Neil! I'm with you. You have the right to speak out about anything you choose, like the rest of us, so good on you for doing so. Your knockers have probably got political agendas anyway. Politicians have never done anything constructive for music in NZ, in fact high taxes and duty on musical instruments has always been a cross for struggling musicians to bear, even when I played in bands in NZ during the 60's. Politics and music don't mix except when protesting..(CSN&Y....Ohio etc)!
Steve (Takapuna)
Good on him, Criticism of government and our leaders is healthy for democracy and seeing as we are a democratic country, Finn can say what ever the hell he wants. If people dont like what they are hearing thats just too bad but they need to understand that he is not alone in his view. I for one agree with him 100 per cent.
Lindsay
Good on you Neil! Head up... Go for it!!! As you can see, the tall poppy syndrome in N.Z. is still very much alive and kicking. The comments arose from bland wilted poppies, both of which should have been composted years ago.
Melinda
Go Neil! You are as entitled to your opinion as everyone else. You are a fantastic ambassador for NZ and for NZ music. Please keep making wonderful music and being true to yourself and don't let those old fullas or the turkeys in the Beehive get you down!
John
Hear, hear Neil. I was sickened by the music awards too, especially by the presenter Mr Driver, who was quite offensive to Don Brash. It was like a Labour Party conference. Inn fact, it was too much to palate after a while, and I just switched channels. Kiwis , dont worry about the Aussies. It is a sign of a mature country when we can just get on, and not worry about our neighbours. Aussies sure as hell, dont give a toss.
Richard
I agree with the Finn comments. New Zealand and New Zealanders spend far too much time wondering and worrying as to what others think of us. It doesn't matter a rats arse what others think of me. I am a New Zealander. Not the flag waving patriotic type, simply, I hope and pray, the type that works hard, is successful at whatever field I choose, does as little harm to myself and others as I possibly can manage and passes on my experiences. Simple really. So, where are we with the Helen Clark/Neil Finn chronicles? It simply doesn't rise to the degree of importance that child abuse does and so report it on page 3 and bring child abuse back to page 1 where it belongs. This country, like so many countries today is in a crises of, not only identity, but of social justice and moral fibre. That is where the real issues lie, not in some cheap exploitation of a comment taken out of context and blown into the declaration of WW3. Sheesh! Does Packer and Murdoch control the New Zealand Media already? Back to good, honest, reportage guys and don't get me started on the lousy quality of kiwi journalism.
Tony Fuemana (Auckland Urban Pacifika Records)
I agree with Neil, as a small Indie record label owner that has been around since the 90's our industry especially the Maori and Pacific industry has become totally dependent on the music welfare system. Maori music should be thriving, we throw millions at it, we have our own TV station and lots of iwi radio stations throughout NZ, but when was the last time you saw a Maori music track on the top 10 or even top 40 music or video chart that was funded by those funding agencies? The pacific music scene is worse....we are dumped in the same funding pool as rock & pop etc. In Auckland we have so many radio stations but not many of them are Pacific Island music friendly, even Kiwi FM. the icon for NZ music con only manage a specialty show for "Maori and Pacific music" and thats only for an hour & only runs for six weeks once a year, apart from my younger brother having the hit "How Bizarre" Pacific music will always have trouble finding its feet. When a label or artist becomes totally dependent on funding, I think they should pack up and try something else, Government funding should never be the reason you follow your music dreams.
Anna
You go Neil Finn! Finally some refreshing honesty from a man who more then deserves to have his opinion heard and admired. We should all stop moaning about the little insignificant things and realise how privileged we are to have such a talented musician in our midst.
Ross
Neil is on the money. Too many people are concerned about Australia and what they do. Forget them. They dont care about us. Although I must say it is the media who is responsible for putting anything Australia on a pedestal. If you are not happy here piss off. In the words of Rob Muldoon you will increase the IQ of both countries.
Rossnz
I don't like his music but I do like what he is saying.
Saks (Auckland)
Neil is a breath of fresh air. I love it when Kiwis go against the grain and tell it how it is regardless of who gets offended. No emotion or personal agendas - just the straight facts. Go Neil! Go Tana!
John Robb
I think Neil Finn should stick to his MOR pop music, he's in danger of becoming as boring as Bono, but not quite as relevant. He should also ask himself why everyone does better versions of his songs than his originals, perhaps he should spend more time in the studio and less in the newsroom.
Ross
Finally, someone with the guts to say what they think. Good on you Neil.
Nick
Go Neil Is it nice to hear an average New Zealand (granted with an amazing musical talent) sharing their frustrations about things that a lot of other average New Zealanders share.
It is easy to be change with the current 'in' thing or thinking - it is not so easy tell people things that they may not wan to hear!!
Clint
Although I don't necessarily agree with your comments Neil, I do respect them. You, and many others, have done great things for the NZ music industry, and I hope you continue to do more - respect!
Rich (Auckland)
Bravo Neil Finn for responding to petty and ignorant criticism. His comments in Real Groove were considered and honest, not designed for the general media to grab sound bites from and take aim at. With respect to Ray Columbus, Sir Howard and the like - all of whom have contributed to our wonderful and varied musical landscape - Neil Finn has probaably done more than all others combined to promote NZ music. He is a proud kiwi (check out the "Farewell to the World" concert DVD in Sydney where he adorns the Kiwi on his shirt - in front of 200,000 Aussies!), an incredibly talented songwriter and a musical t