photo by Dan Savoie The “World Where You Live” became a little brighter on September 8, 2024, as Crowded House took the stage at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The sold-out venue was filled with fans who had been dreaming of this moment, and the band was more than ready to deliver a night of musical magic. With Neil Finn at the helm, flanked by his talented sons Liam and Elroy, alongside keyboardist Mitchell Froom and founding bassist Nick Seymour, Crowded House was poised to take the audience on a journey through their illustrious career.
The band kicked off the show with the timeless classic “Recurring Dream,” setting the tone for an evening filled with nostalgia and heartfelt performances. Finn’s vocals were as powerful and emotive as ever, captivating the audience from the very first note. The crowd sang along to every word, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared passion for the music.
Crowded House continued to delight fans with a selection of hits from their extensive discography, including “World Where You Live” and “Teenage Summer,” the latter being a new track from their latest album, “Gravity Stairs.” These songs showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend classic hits with fresh material, proving their enduring relevance in the music world.
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of “Fall at Your Feet,” a beloved fan favorite. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, with each musician contributing their unique talents to create a cohesive and dynamic sound. Mitchell Froom’s rendition of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” following “Bad Times Good” added a touch of jazz sophistication to the set.
The band debuted two songs live for the first time on this tour: “Too Good for This World” and “Hole In the River.” These performances showcased the band’s growth and evolution, pushing the boundaries of their artistry while still maintaining the essence of what makes Crowded House so special. The seamless transition from “Hole In the River” to “The Other” demonstrated the band’s mastery of crafting captivating musical journeys.
Crowded House also paid homage to their roots, performing “Message to My Girl,” a song from Neil Finn’s previous band, Split Enz. This nostalgic moment was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, as fans reveled in the opportunity to hear this beloved tune live once again. The inclusion of this song showcased the depth and breadth of Finn’s musical legacy.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came when the band performed “Nails in My Feet” by audience request. The vulnerability and honesty in Finn’s performance were a testament to his enduring talent as a songwriter and performer. The crowd’s enthusiasm and appreciation for this unexpected addition to the setlist were palpable.
As the main set drew to a close, Crowded House had the crowd on their feet with an electrifying performance of “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” their signature song. The entire venue sang along, creating a moment of collective joy and unity. The band then launched into “Something So Strong,” with Liam Finn and Nick Seymour playfully incorporating a snippet of Devo’s “Uncontrollable Urge,” adding a touch of humor and spontaneity to the performance.
The band closed the main set with a rousing rendition of “Weather With You,” which featured snippets of Talking Heads’ “Once In a Lifetime” and Devo’s “Whip It.” This unexpected twist added a fun and lighthearted element to the evening, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
For the encore, Crowded House returned to the stage to deliver a powerful performance of “Locked Out,” showcasing the band’s ability to create anthemic rock songs that resonate with audiences. They then treated fans to another Split Enz classic, “I Got You,” which had the entire venue singing and dancing along.
The band concluded the evening with two of their most beloved songs: “Into Temptation” and “Better Be Home Soon.” These heartfelt performances served as a reminder of the enduring power of Crowded House’s music and the deep connection they have forged with their fans over the years.
Throughout the show, Neil Finn’s charisma and wit shone through, as he engaged with the audience between songs. His anecdotes and jokes added a personal touch to the performance, making the crowd feel connected to the band on a deeper level. Finn’s stage presence was magnetic, commanding attention and drawing the audience into the emotional world of each song.
Special mention must be made of the opening act, Michigander, centered around multi-instrumentalist Jason Singer and accompanied by guitarist Jake LeMond. Their engaging acoustic set won over the crowd with their charming stage presence and memorable tunes. The duo’s jokes and camaraderie added to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the evening.
Setlist:
- Recurring Dream
- World Where You Live
- Teenage Summer
- Fall at Your Feet
- Bad Times Good (followed by Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” by Mitchell Froom)
- The Howl
- Oh Hi
- When You Come
- Private Universe
- Four Seasons In One Day
- Too Good for This World (tour debut)
- Hole In the River / The Other (HITR tour debut)
- Black Water, White Circle
- Message to My Girl (Split Enz cover)
- Nails in My Feet (audience request)
- Distant Sun
- Don’t Dream It’s Over
- Something So Strong (followed by Devo’s “Uncontrollable Urge” snippet by Liam Finn and Nick Seymour)
- Weather With You (with Talking Heads’ “Once In a Lifetime” and Devo’s “Whip It” snippets)
Encore:
- Locked Out
- I Got You (Split Enz cover)
- Into Temptation
- Better Be Home Soon
All photos by Dan Savoie:
