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CROWDED HOUSE
+ Angie Colman + Vera Ellen
@ Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Perth
29th November, 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

Photos by Deb Kloeden’s (@debkloedenphotography)

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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Crowded House may be older, calmer, and a bit greyer, but give them half a chance, and they’ll have you rocking. Like old friends sharing memories, they remind fans why their music still resonates decades after their debut—and why they’re likely to sell out (once again) an entire weekend of concerts.

A humid night under an orange sky in Kings Park set the mood perfectly for the evening’s support acts. First up was Perth’s Angie Colman, whose haunting vocals and deft guitar work captivated the early crowd. Next came New Zealand’s Vera Ellen, resplendent in red and backed by an equally vibrant band. Her set delivered a satisfying mix of indie-rock laced with an irresistible electronic edge which earned her an appreciative response.

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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This tour supports their latest album, Gravity Stairs, sprinkled among a setlist of beloved classics. Sure, some headed for the bar or toilet during the newer songs, but those who stayed got a treat. The wistful “Teenage Summer,” the hypnotic “The Howl,” and the peculiar “Oh Hi” held their own, proving this lineup— Neil Finn, his sons Liam and Elroy, Nick Seymour, and Mitchell Froom—is a creative force to be reckoned with.

The night kicked off with the reverberating guitar riff of “Mean to Me,” and from there, it was a whirlwind of memories: relationships, friendships, and lazy weekends. Crowded House’s music has always balanced intimacy with grandeur. Would it still hold up 40 years on? As Neil, his mop of grey hair bouncing, danced across the stage, the answer was a resounding yes.

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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Perhaps it was the balmy evening or Neil declaring, “This is the greatest venue,” but each song hit with the gusto of a band still loving the ride. The classics came thick and fast. “World Where You Live” flowed into “Fall at Your Feet,” which ended with one of Perth’s finest singalongs. Even Finn had to acknowledge it: “Perth, you brought your voices with you. I knew you would.”

“When You Come” upped the ante with its lush, soaring arrangement, setting the dancefloor alight. Not so much for the deck-seated crowd—those knees just weren’t up for it. Even the marching beat of Split Enz’s “I Got You” couldn’t coax them to their feet.

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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When the moody, hypnotic “The Other” debuted, Finn thanked the dancefloor for their enthusiasm. A tender rendition of “Message To My Girl” with Finn on piano had the crowd quietly entranced. Another new track, “Fingers of Love,” paired beautifully with “Private Universe,” the two songs weaving a sublime moment amongst the towering Karri and Eucalyptus trees.

Time has been kind to the band. Finn’s voice, though tighter on the high notes, remains warm and steady. Seymour’s bass playing is as rock-solid as ever, and the new lineup injects a fresh vitality into the performance. “Locked Out” ratcheted up the tempo with its frenetic energy before the familiar chords of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Distant Sun” struck an emotional peak. Hearing two near-perfect examples of songwriting back-to-back? Bliss.

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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The final stretch was a full-blown singalong. Ask an Aussie to sing the national anthem, and they’ll stumble by verse two. Ask them to sing “Weather with You”? They’ll belt it out in its entirety with their full chest. The encore packed it all in: the jubilant pop of “Something So Strong,” the oddball charm of “Chocolate Cake,” and a cheeky mash-up featuring Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me,” Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere,” and Hot Chocolate’s “You Sexy Thing.”

As all good things must, the night ended with “Better Be Home Soon” in understated fashion. Crowded House remains a cultural touchstone, their music soundtracking decades of Australian lives. This band isn’t just timeless—they’re essential.

5/5 Stars

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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Check out Deb Kloeden’s (@debkloedenphotography) full gallery of the Vailo 500 Adelaide event on 16th November 2024 HERE

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CROWDED HOUSE, Adelaide, November 2024 / @debkloedenphotography

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Follow CROWDED HOUSE
FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – TIKTOK
SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC – AMAZON MUSIC – SOUNDCLOUD – YOUTUBE – WEBSITE

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Gravity Stairs Tour
Australian and New Zealand Dates:

Sat 09 Nov – WELLINGTON – TSB ARENA
Tue 12 Nov – DUNEDIN – TOWN HALL
Wed 13 Nov – CHRISTCHURCH – WOLFBROOK ARENA
Tue 19 Nov – PALMERSTON NORTH – REGENT ON BROADWAY
Wed 20 Nov – TAURANGA – MERCURY BAYPARK ARENA
Fri 22 Nov – HAMILTON – GLOBOX ARENA, CLAUDELANDS
Sat 23 Nov – AUCKLAND – SPARK ARENA
Fri 29 Nov – PERTH – KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDEN – SOLD OUT
Sat 30 Nov – PERTH – KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDEN – SOLD OUT
Sun 1 Dec – PERTH – KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDEN 
Wed 04 Dec – SYDNEY – OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT – SOLD OUT
Thu 05 Dec – SYDNEY – OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT – SOLD OUT
Sat 07 Dec – SYDNEY – OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT – SOLD OUT
Sun 08 Dec – SYDNEY – OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT – SOLD OUT
Tue 10 Dec – MELBOURNE – ROD LAVER ARENA
Fri 13 Dec – NEWCASTLE – ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE – SOLD OUT
Sat 14 Dec – BRISBANE – ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

For more information head to livenation.com.au & livenation.co.nz 

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Press Release 26th October 2024 (below) HERE

CROWDED HOUSE
Australia and New Zealand
GRAVITY STAIRS TOUR
kicks off next month

MEL PARSONS
confirmed as special guest
on New Zealand dates, with
VERA ELLEN
joining the Australian shows

NEW ALBUM GRAVITY STAIRS OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB