Don't Dream It's Over
The Remarkable Life Of Neil Finn
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3.6 • 5 Ratings
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
Don't Dream It's Over is the first biography to focus exclusively on Neil Finn, the man who wrote the timeless hits of Split Enz and Crowded House.
In early 1980, 21-year-old Neil Mullane Finn wrote 'I Got You', which became the signature song and biggest hit for the Kiwi band Split Enz, co-founded by Neil's big brother Tim several years earlier. Over the next four decades, Neil not only nurtured one of the finest heads of hair in music, but crafted hit after hit—‘Don't Dream It's Over', 'Better Be Home Soon', 'One Step Ahead', 'Into Temptation' and more—for Split Enz, for his own chart-topping band Crowded House, and as a solo act. In 2018, he joined international superstars Fleetwood Mac, who added 'Don't Dream It's Over' to their sets. Neil is the most successful singer-songwriter of his generation from this end of the planet-and probably the most respected.
Neil has endured his share of challenges. There was massive conflict with his older brother, especially when Tim was briefly invited to join Crowded House in 1990; the tragic death of close friend and Crowded House bandmate Paul Hester; and his difficult early days in England with Split Enz, surviving, but only just, on the dole. Stir in his devout Catholic upbringing, a marriage to Sharon that has somehow lasted more than 40 years-a miracle in the world of entertainment-and the efforts of his sons, Liam and Elroy, to also pursue careers as musicians, and the result is one of the most inspiring musical sagas of recent times.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In 1977, eighteen-year-old Neil Finn received a phone call from his brother, Tim, asking him to join the band Split Enz. This would be the moment that eventually delivered the world songs like “Better Be Home Soon”, "Fall At Your Feet “and “Weather With You”, and over 40 years of exceptional music making. Jeff Apter, author of many musicians’ biographies, approaches this revered New Zealander’s life and work with generosity and diligence. The tone is celebratory; he chronicles the many high points, including chart-soaring hits, packed venues and numerous awards, but doesn’t skirt around the low points, such as early conflict with Tim and the death of beloved bandmate Paul Hester. Whether you’re a fan of Crowded House, Split Enz or the Finn Brothers, you’ll find it impossible to turn the final page of this creatively inspiring biography without immediately doing a deep-dive into Finn’s extensive back catalogue. Don’t Dream It’s Over is an intimate portrait of a genius songwriter.
