Live Review: Crowded House in Fremantle Prison 2025

With the gentle strum of a dreamy guitar, we were instantly transported back to the golden era of our lives – the 1980s. Memories flickered before our eyes like scenes through a kaleidoscope, each one layered over the present moment. The soft breeze, the golden flairs of the sunset drives in a Datsun 200B through the suburbs, and the thrill of boarding a midnight train through the landscape of childhood all came rushing back. There was a freedom then, a lightness unburdened by adult responsibilities. For some, it was LA Gears and BMX bikes; for others, a simple cricket bat from the David Boon edition swinging in our backyards. Blue school uniforms, the addictive beeps of Game & Watch, and our pets – these were the memories of our lives. For this writer, it’s the cold wintery days in Sydney’s western suburbs as a new immigrant.

Perhaps that’s why Crowded House’s recent run of shows in Perth – two nights at Fremantle Prison and a headlining slot at the Red Hot Summer Tour, which was sold out so quickly. The special spark of nostalgia that only they can bring. Tonight, we found ourselves at the second Fremantle Prison performance, eager to relive the magic. The setup was unique: a concert in two halves, with the band serving as their own support act.

At precisely 7 p.m., the stage came alive. Neil Finn (vocals, guitar), Nick Seymour (bass), Mitchell Froom (keyboards), Liam Finn (guitar), Elroy Finn (drums), and touring percussionist Paul Taylor stepped into the spotlight. The evening air hinted at winter’s chill, but the energy in the Fremantle Prison quadrangle was electric.

The first set unfolded gently, featuring six tracks that set a mellow, reflective tone. Songs like “Sister Madly” and “Don’t Stop Now” eased us in, but it was the inclusion of Split Enz’s “Message to My Girl” that truly ignited the audience. More than forty years since its release, the romantic, synth-laced ballad still resonates, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution into Crowded House. The shimmering synths at the song’s opening felt like a time machine, enveloping us in a dreamy nostalgia and a sense of coming home to a place where memories bloom.

This first half of the show was imbued with a sense of solace, punctuated by bursts of rock energy. Neil Finn and Nick Seymour trading guitar licks, bending and raising their instruments in playful camaraderie, while Elroy Finn watched on with a smile. It wasn’t a contest, but rather a showcase of the band’s enduring chemistry and the legacy they’ve built as icons of Australian music. Vika and Linda Bull joined as backup vocalists halfway through the first set, their harmonies adding depth and warmth to the sound.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature dropped sharply, a reminder of the “Four Seasons in One Day” that Perth is famous for. Yet, the crowd clung to the warmth of shared memories.

After a brief 30-minute intermission, Crowded House returned for the second set, and the transformation was immediate. Under a canopy of stars, the ARIA-winning legends launched into “Distant Sun” and “World Where You Live,” instantly rekindling the vibrant spirit of the 80s.

The right side of the stage erupted into a lively mosh pit, with fans dancing to the infectious rhythms and Neil Finn’s unmistakable vocals. The atmosphere was both relaxed and electric, especially during “Fall at Your Feet,” when the entire audience joined in, singing the chorus of an anthem that had soundtracked so many of our formative years. Neil, flanked by Nick Seymour and Liam Finn, encouraged the crowd to sing even louder, inviting everyone to reach for higher notes and deeper memories.

Linda and Vika Bull returned for “Take the Weather With You,” their voices blending seamlessly with the band’s signature sound. Then came a moment of spontaneous brilliance: a woman in the front row shouted that she wasn’t allowed to stand, prompting Neil Finn to quip, “Is there a law that says you can’t stand up? Will you go to jail?” With a grin, he launched into an impromptu jam—“You can stand up if you want to”—and the band played along for over a minute. The crowd, newly energized, rose to their feet, dancing and cheering as the music soared. The front three—Neil, Mark, and Liam—delivered a dazzling guitar showcase, their interplay a testament to years of shared artistry. Rock gestures punched the air, and the sense of communal joy was palpable.

This seamless transition led into what many consider the crown jewel of the Crowded House catalog: “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”   As the guitar’s melody deepened, a subtle organ pad and delicate percussion joined in, guiding us further into the recesses of memory. The music stirred a bittersweet cocktail of emotions- regret, longing, love, desire, and the ache of dreams left behind. Yet, for a few precious hours, we were truly back in time. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” became more than a song; it was a portal, a reminder of the enduring power of timeless music, especially when delivered by the classics of Crowded House. Neil Finn’s vocals are authentic—a sincerity that seems to settle the soul, inviting a rare sense of calm and equanimity

The dreamy guitar and gentle breeze set the stage for a quintessentially Australian moment, evoking suburban nights of the 80s. As the song unfolded, lips moved in silent harmony, heads swayed, and by the second chorus, the crowd joined in—a collective act of solidarity and self-forgiveness. In that moment, the message was clear: the dream lives on.

Mark Seymour joined in, singing his signature piece Throw Your Arms. The wind picked up, the air was chilled to the next level, but the crowd sang along. It was a sight to see Neil Finn singing along with Mark.

Crowded House’s performance was more than a concert; it was a celebration of nostalgia, resilience, and the enduring power of music to connect us across time. The night was a vivid reminder that while decades may pass, the songs and memories we cherish remain ever-present, ready to transport us back whenever the first notes ring out.

SET 1

• Sister Madly – Temple of Low Men (1988)
• Don’t Stop Now – Time on Earth (2007)
• In My Own Shell – Dreamers Are Waiting (2021)
• It Was a Small Detail – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• Message to My Girl – See Ya ‘Round (Split Enz, 1984)
• Think About Nothing – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• At the Station – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• Four Seasons in One Day – Woodface (1991)

SET 2

• Distant Sun – Together Alone (1993)
• World Where You Live (listed as “World”) – Crowded House (1986)
• Teenage Summer – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• Fall at Your Feet – Woodface (1991)
• Pineapple Head – Together Alone (1993)
• Recurring Dream (listed as “Recurring”) – Recurring Dream: The Very Best of Crowded House (1996, originally a B-side)
• To the Island – Dreamers Are Waiting (2021)
• Weather With You – Woodface (1991)
• Last Day of June (likely “Last Summer”) – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• Nails in My Feet (listed as “Nails at Your Feet”) – Together Alone (1993)
• When You Come – Temple of Low Men (1988)
• Private Universe (listed as “Private”) – Together Alone (1993)
• Into Temptation – Temple of Low Men (1988)
• Oh Hi (likely “Howl”) – Gravity Stairs (2024)
• Something So Strong – Crowded House (1986)
• Don’t Dream It’s Over (listed as “Don’t Dream”) – Crowded House (1986)
• I Got You – True Colours (Split Enz, 1980)
• Chocolate Cake – Woodface (1991)
• Better Be Home Soon – Temple of Low Men (1988)

Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Menard PR, Face to Face Touring and Crowded House for the media accreditation

About the writer/photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK etc with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, Leo Sayer and Tina Arena on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.