Hessy
For those wondering about the picture composite posted a couple of days back, here's an explanation. Emma made it, and I don't think she meant to put it on my journal, but I'm happy enough for it to be there.
Paul Hester, drummer for bands such as Split Enz and Crowded House, left his home in Melbourne to walk his dogs on Saturday evening. He never came home. He was found the next morning in a nearby park. It is believed he took his own life.
For those of my friends who live overseas, even if you don't know the bands Hessy played with, it's likely you've heard their music. Among many tv shows and movies Crowded House song Sister Madly was featured as the opening song on early Russell Crowe movie The Sum of Us, and US Bruckheimer series Cold Case has used at least two Crowded House songs to date. The farewell concert for Crowded House drew a record half a million people to the steps of the Opera House to say goodbye. Emma was lucky enough to be there.
As a prominent music personality said in the last week, while people fell in love with frontman Neil Finn's songs and lyrics, all Crowded House fans had a special place in their hearts for Paul Hester. Hessy was the heart of the group, he said, with his wacky sense of humour and enthusiasm for life.
The humour and jokes hid a darker story, with friends and colleagues close to him telling of his struggle with depression. Hessy leaves behind his partner and two daughters, and many others who loved and admired him as a musician, comedian, and an all round great bloke. He will be missed.
Paul Hester, drummer for bands such as Split Enz and Crowded House, left his home in Melbourne to walk his dogs on Saturday evening. He never came home. He was found the next morning in a nearby park. It is believed he took his own life.
For those of my friends who live overseas, even if you don't know the bands Hessy played with, it's likely you've heard their music. Among many tv shows and movies Crowded House song Sister Madly was featured as the opening song on early Russell Crowe movie The Sum of Us, and US Bruckheimer series Cold Case has used at least two Crowded House songs to date. The farewell concert for Crowded House drew a record half a million people to the steps of the Opera House to say goodbye. Emma was lucky enough to be there.
As a prominent music personality said in the last week, while people fell in love with frontman Neil Finn's songs and lyrics, all Crowded House fans had a special place in their hearts for Paul Hester. Hessy was the heart of the group, he said, with his wacky sense of humour and enthusiasm for life.
The humour and jokes hid a darker story, with friends and colleagues close to him telling of his struggle with depression. Hessy leaves behind his partner and two daughters, and many others who loved and admired him as a musician, comedian, and an all round great bloke. He will be missed.